EX-P: A first look at the production version

awd330 said:
Using Pro Polish as a prep really enhanced the clarity of EX-P. It also make the finish look brighter and perhaps just a little lighter in color. Using Vanilla Moose was very different as it made the gloss appear deeper and wetter. VM is as easy to apply and remove as PwC. PP is a little more finicky about application and can slightly stain trim if you're not careful.

I prefer S100 on the grey Porsche because I like how it makes the finish very deep and rich looking. It somehow seems warmer and more elegant to my eyes.

awd330,

Thanks! It sounds like the VM gives results that more closely resemble SSR1............. at least as far as looks go. Of course, being that the VM is a glaze, I would expect that. I find myself using SSR1 as "almost" a glaze when I want a glossier, wetter appearance.

I may have to re-visit P21S on my grey SuperCrew. I gave the small amount I had left to my son. Guess I'll have to get a new jar! :D
 
Wash, clay w/S&W, SSR1 or Pro Polish...probably Pro Polish, then EX-P, 2 or 3 coats. Bingo...Purrr-freakin-fection!!!!!!!!!! I"m ready....bring on the warm weather.
 
Warm weather is already here in Hawaii. Wait a minute....it never left. Just waiting for Ranney to get his shipment of poorboys in and my new PC.
 
Boss_429 said:
awd330,

Thanks! It sounds like the VM gives results that more closely resemble SSR1............. at least as far as looks go. Of course, being that the VM is a glaze, I would expect that. I find myself using SSR1 as "almost" a glaze when I want a glossier, wetter appearance.
Now, you have my curiosity piqued. I'm going to have to try a SSR1/EX-P vs. VM/EX-P comparison to see if that's true. I'm running out of panels to test! :lol
 
AWD. You can come test it on my car if you want. My SSR1 and EX-p should be here monday and I am not far from you!!! LOL
 
Boss_429 said:
awd330,

Thanks! It sounds like the VM gives results that more closely resemble SSR1............. at least as far as looks go. Of course, being that the VM is a glaze, I would expect that. I find myself using SSR1 as "almost" a glaze when I want a glossier, wetter appearance.

I may have to re-visit P21S on my grey SuperCrew. I gave the small amount I had left to my son. Guess I'll have to get a new jar! :D


For me, SSR1 is more comparable to FP with more of a gloss finish

while VM is comparable to PwC with more wetness
 
Dalton said:
AWD. You can come test it on my car if you want. My SSR1 and EX-p should be here monday and I am not far from you!!! LOL
Dalton - I'll keep your offer in mind! :) In the meantime, I will see if I can gather up some additional panels in the form of my neighbor's cars. Unfortunately, the weather forecast is not cooperating for this weekend. :(
 
Thanks AWD. In th meantime, can you tell me your technique for using SSR1 by hand. I dont want to mess anything up the first time I use it.

Thanks
 
This is a follow-up to my earlier EX-P review. I added a third vehicle to the test fleet this weekend. It is my “garage queen” (a 2003 seal grey Porsche Boxster). For this detail, my goal was to compare prep (SSR1 vs. Vanilla Moose), EX versions (EX-P vs. regular EX), and carnauba paste waxes (Natty’s vs. S100). I divided up the car into 12 panels with a total of 9 different product combos. The combos were:

VM, EX-P
VM, EX
VM, S100
VM, Natty's
AIO, VM, S100
SSR1, EX-P
SSR1, EX
SSR1, S100
SSR1, Natty's

As with the 2 previously mentioned cars, I began the process by using Poorboy’s Spray and Wipe. Then, I drew an imaginary line down the middle of the car and prepped the left side with Vanilla Moose and the right side with SSR1. The only exception was the convertible top boot which was prepped with Klasse AIO followed by VM. All of the prep layers were applied by PC with polishing pads. Afterwards, I applied one layer of EX-P, EX, Natty’s, and S100 to various panels. The EX products were applied by PC using finishing pads. The paste waxes were applied by hand using foam applicators.

As Boss_429 surmised, VM and SSR1 produced very similar results. VM had a slight edge in wetness, while SSR1 had the advantage in removing some micro-marring. Otherwise, the two were quite similar in appearance. Contrast this with the earlier comparisons involving PwC, PP, and VM. Those three products resulted in more distinct differences in appearance.

I stand by my theory that EX and S100 produce similar results while EX-P’s attributes more closely resemble Natty’s Wax. For this particular car, I preferred the looks of VM with EX more than any of the other combos as it resulted in an exceptionally rich and glossy finish. S100 was similar, but just a notch lower in depth. EX-P provided a brighter and lighter appearance. Natty’s was also brighter, but the coloring was more similar to S100 and regular EX. EX-P did not conceal paint imperfections as well as the 3 carnauba based products.

In response to an inquiry by 2drtahoez71's, I threw Klasse AIO into the mix as a step preceding VM/S100. I saw no difference between the AIO/VM/S100 panel and the VM/S100 panel. However, this car’s paint was already in good condition and did not require any pre-cleaning steps.

In this photo, the right fender is SSR1/EX. The right side of the hood is SSR1/EX-P. The left side of the hood is VM/EX-P. There is very little difference between the two sides of the hood. While the fender is a bit glossier.
 
Here, the panel on the left is the trunk lid with has VM/EX on the left and SSR1/EX on the right. The other panel is the convertible top boot which has the AIO/VM/S100 combo. Both panels look similar, but the trunk lid has slightly more depth.
 
Although regular EX does not enhance metallic paint sparkle as prominently as EX-P does, it still allows the flakes to shine through.
 
To conclude this first look at EX-P, let me recap my observations –

EX-P is an exceptionally user friendly product. It’s simple to apply and remove, and does not appear to stain trim. It’s most favorable attributes are it’s clarity, reflectivity, and ability to make metallic paint sparkle. The only drawback I noticed was that EX-P did not conceal paint flaws as well as carnauba products. I suppose this is the trade off for the other positive appearance attributes.

You can take full advantage of EX-P’s best qualities by applying Pro Polish as a base layer. However, you can also fine tune the look to match your specific preferences by altering your choice of base layers.

All of the products mentioned in this review are of the highest quality. No matter what product combinations you choose to try, the resulting finish will be one that’s very eye catching. The casual observer may not be able to discern the subtle differences in shine properties. They will just notice that your car shines!
 
awd330,

What can I say.............. great testing, great info, and great results! :bigups :bigups

I'm not even going to ask more questions, as I think you need a break! :D
 
It’s most favorable attributes are it’s clarity, reflectivity, and ability to make metallic paint sparkle. The only drawback I noticed was that EX-P did not conceal paint flaws as well as carnauba products. I suppose this is the trade off for the other positive appearance attributes.

and so is zaino. any thoughts on this?
 
jgv said:
and so is zaino. any thoughts on this?
I haven't personally tried Zaino, though I have seen a well maintained car that was prepared with Zaino products. From what I can remember, I would say that Zaino results in a glossier finish. EX-P's look is a little cleaner, especially if it's preceded with Pro Polish. We'll have to wait for others with experience using both products to chime in with their observations.

Jose - you have Zaino, correct? After you have a chance to use your bottle of EX-P, would you please post your thoughts on Zaino vs. EX-P?
 
jgv said:
and so is zaino. any thoughts on this?

jgv,

I've only used one coat of EX-P, so this may not be completely accurate, but I think the EX-P is closer to Z2, where Z5 is a bit wetter and glossier.

I could be wrong though, as I haven't used "Z" in a while, and a side by side test would be required for more accurate results.
 
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