Well, I gave in and decided to try Epic. I bought myself some new toys too, including a nice new lambswool wash mit (so soft and easy to use!), Meguiar's claybar, and waffleweave drying towels. For applying the Epic I bought some microfiber pads and I have some smaller microfiber towels that I had around for smaller areas and near the trim.

I gave Clubby a great wash and drying. I used the claybar sparingly because the paint is in pretty damn good shape (it's only a few weeks old). The entire bonnet and front end got done, then by the wheel wells, then the boot, and the front edge of the roof. Everything else seemed smooth and glass-like. The clay was a bit weird, but I could tell when it was and wasn't working and picked up some tricks on my own. The microfiber towel included worked well and kept the areas clean. I noticed it's somewhat better to maybe not dry the car down to the bone after washing since the extra liquid helps, but I had to dry it mostly..there was just too much lubrication otherwise.

Everything's going swimmingly, so time came for Epic. I had high hopes but I knew it would require some work. So here's my thoughts

Pros:
-it was rather easy to see where I had covered and where I had not, even in the evening setting sun
-no dusting upon removal!
-the finished product was pretty damn nice, the paint feels baby-butt-smooth

Cons:
-the stuff is nearly impossible to put on a thin layer. The directions say use 1oz or so a vehicle and I've seen on NAM that a dime size or less will cover an entire panel, or more. But to get that thin was damn near difficult and I used about 1/4 of the bottle probably. I felt like I was always wiping the other areas off and I was just spreading around the same stuff.
-it's too expensive to be apparently using too much
-I left it on for a good hour, but it didn't seem to have cured yet...again, probably because it was too thick, but I feared it being too thin
-gotta wash that stuff out of the pads before it cures..or else..

Overall, the end result is nice, I won't lie, it feels perfectly smooth. I can't wait to see it in full light. But, I had better be darn blown away. Application seems to be too tricky and I either use too little, or I'm going to be spending way too much money on it. I may try to apply a second coat and retry and really concentrate on only using a little, and this way I can guarantee everything's covered. But I'm going to be out almost $11 worth of wax...I just don't know if it's stomachable when it's made to be used less.

I was thinking about getting Banana Gloss since it will bring out the blue, but Prima's an unknown in my book right now...

Overall, good end result (I hope) and it's easy to buff off, but the application and cost just doesn't seem worth it.

 

Thanks for the review, it seems that you may have used too much. A black LC pad on a PC makes applying a thin layer MUCH easier.

Even then, since the wax lasts 6 months, if you are spending $11/6mo you are only putting $22/yr towards wax which is not too bad. As long as the results meet your expectations the hassle will be worth it. I personally have not tried epic yet, but I have been satisfied with BG (every 1.5-2 months) and hydro (weekly).

You can always layer BG + Hydro on top of the epic, or just Hydro, to add some more shine. Hydro always makes a significant difference layered on top of BG.

Some quick pros of BG:
Flash cures
Can be applied in the sun
Great concealer for swirls
Great for darker colours
Did not stain my trim (but has for others)
I think it is easier to apply thinly by hand? (but hopefully someone that has used both can chip in with this comment)

Cons:
Does not last as long as Epic and supposedly does not bring out the colour as much? (not too sure about the second statement)

 

She's doing everything by hand, so applying it as thinly as a PC is more difficult but not impossible. I agree though, she is using too much product. Epic doesn't try immediately, so she should be able to wipe it on section by section without fearing removal of each part. Unlike BG that dries almost immediately.

BG does not last as long because it's a hybrid carnauba product unlike Epic being a synthetic polymer product. BG is easier and faster and more forgiving than Epic, but it doesn't last as long, which for me is fine, since I can BG my Clubbie pretty quickly.

Epic does provide a richness to the paint similar to BG but different because it lacks carnauba. But Epic provides a very nice slippery surfaces for a long time once it's cured...gotta wait 12-24 hours after removal before getting it wet if you want maximum durability.

People need to realize that the little time and money spent in taking care of your paint properly, will be rewarded in years to come with a paint that stays intact, and doesn't need a new paint job! Guess how much that will cost you?? And that's in a single shot, unlike purchasing wax that can be spread out over time!

If you are super lazy, make sure the horizontal surfaces...roof and bonnet have the best wax protection as they get the most abuse from the environment.

Richard

 

Well, good news. I did a re-apply today and wow...my car looks AWESOME. Like...really effing good
I really focused on using less and experimenting with application. I figured I had already covered most, so I had some leeway. I noticed a little does go a long way, as the applicator pad kept spreading. I kept fearing enough wasn't going on, as the blue it's slightly difficult to see the haze, but if I thought I needed more, I'd do a swipe on black or chrome and see if wax was still spreading. This seemed to help guide me on when to add more to the pad or not.

Did I still apply too much? Probably in places. But the end results are spectacular and the protection on my paint is enough to make me a user. $30 not even once a year for a bottle is a thumbs up in my book. I look forward to trying out BG and another Epic application in the spring

Thanks again OG, you've been a great help

 

Awesome!!! Glad to hear it!! You're very welcome!

Richard