Prima Amigo, Epic, and Hydro Impressions

chevyguy28

New member
These are some of the new products from the Prima line sold by Detailers Paradise (http://www.detailersparadise.com).



Impressions based on applying to my swirled dark metallic green Honda by hand, and my titanium Elise by PC (4" DP finishing pad, speed 5), which is in good condition.



Amigo: Polymer based glaze

Application - Far easier than typical glazes such as #7 and Menzerna FTG, which have lots of oils that never seem to dry. You end up pushing the product around trying to remove it. Amigo thins out quickly as you work it in, by hand or PC, and becomes slightly rubbery if you don't work it in completely. Wipes off very easily.



Aethetics - Adds a bit of wetness and fills minor marring/swirling. On my Honda this was a huge help. My Elise doesn't have much minor marring (only more major major scratches around the trunk area from my leaning over it), but Amigo seemed to make those less noticeable as well. I'd say this product is more impressive on dark colors, but I think it added something to my titanium car as well.



Misc - Adds a bit of slickness, so applying your LSP is easier. Cleaning action is very mild with the finishing pad. I recommend working in smaller areas (2'x2') as the instructions recommend. With products that don't work as quickly, I am tempted to work in larger areas. A lot of it was because my 4" finishing pad absorbed a lot of product, and because my paint is the same color as the product itself, making it hard to see.



High marks for this product if you would like to try using a glaze.



Epic: Polymer based sealant

Application - Epic is a creamy product, but it spreads very well and it is no problem getting a very thin coat by whatever application method you choose. I ended up doing it by hand as my Elise has too many tights spots. The bottle says to let dry for 30 minutes, but it was completely dry before 10 minutes, so I didn't wait any longer. When I do a full car, I don't expect to have to wait if I apply to the entire car first. The base coat of Amigo makes it easier because the surface is already slick.



Removal is a breeze. Probably a bit harder than FMJ in places where you applied way too much. I couldn't really ask for an easier application/removal, other than using a spray product.



Initial slickness is very good, but not as good as cured Z2Pro or Acrylic Jett. On my Honda's test panel, once the product cured over night, the slickness increased and was roughly equivalent with those two products. It seems to improve, which mirrors my experience with Prima Slick, the QD.



Aesthetics - Can't really tell yet, as it's dark out. Durability will be a key component for me, as I like the durability of FMJ, but not its durability.



Durability - Don't know yet. Durability is a key factor for me. I'd be interesting in knowing whether Amigo compromises durability at all.



Hyrdo: Polymer based spray sealant/concentrated QD, like Z8

Didn't use much yet, but it wipes on and off easily. I'd be happy if the durability is similar to Z8.





BTW, the packing for the entire line is top notch and right up there with Jeff's Werkstatt's (which for some reason I like). Though it has nothing to do with product itself, the bottles are high quality and look great. The tops are like those you'd find on a nice bottle of shampoo, and the sprayers are also very nice. Probably not an important thing for most of you (other than the sprayer), but I thought I'd mention it.



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Update on Epic:

I'd describe the look as wet/glossy and clear. Definitely not a sterile look. Judging this on my titanium car can be hard, so I'm eager to try it again on my black car, where the difference between all the LSPs I have is easy to see. So far though, no complaints or disappointments with the looks.



Beading properties are excellent. I had to rinse off the rocker panel after a drive through the country-side. They are tigher and smaller than what I experience with FMJ or even Zaino (w/o Z8). This may have to do with Amigo underneath. The dried on debrie washed off easily.



I will try to hold off using Hyrdo after washes for at least a few weeks to judge Epic's durability, but I suspect using the two in combo will give you very lon lasting protection, as Hydro is practically a stand alone product. Though not scientific, I will already have an idea of durability after the first few washes compared to FMJ.



BTW, when the car had FMJ on it, using Prima Slick on it boosted it's beading properties by a good margin. However, the slickness washed off pretty quickly, along with FMJ's. Hopefully Epic's slickness will last longer.



- Justin
 
I applied Finish, Amigo and Epic to my bike a week ago. Extremely easy to use. It has had one wash so far. Will be doing 150 mile ride this weekend and then I should be able to give some further impressions.
 
What is Hydro..is it the same as Slick...



I see the name Hydro mentioned but is not in the product line up...



Al
 
AL-53 said:
What is Hydro..is it the same as Slick...



I see the name Hydro mentioned but is not in the product line up...



Al



Slick is the QD. Hydro is the spray sealant/wax-as-you-dry product. Nick doesn't have the complete Prima lineup on the website yet, but I think you can order all of the new stuff over the phone.
 
ashsarna said:
Any updates on durability and looks?



Not much to report on durability after only 2 weeks. In the rain a few days ago, beading looked very good. On my weekend car, durability will be reported in terms of number of washes, as the car is washed every 3 weeks or so with a strong solution.



I should probably redo the hood on the car that sits outside 24/7 with Acrylic Jett, Zaino, and Epic, to give a better relative comparison.



Epic looks wet and glossy. It's definitely not sterile, but probably not as bright as Zaino or even FMJ. I think it's hard to compare looks without doing a black car in full, as most cars still look great after prep.



- Justin
 
Just wanted to give an update. I tried Amigo on my black '02 Mercedes and was really impressed. This product is far more noticeable on a dark finish than lighter metallic ones. I'd say it gives a very liquidy look and caused the black to look darker. This is not necessarily a product for someone who likes a super reflective look.



Anyway, I was looking to change it up a bit and went back to Amigo. My go to combo for a black car is now Prima Amigo + Blackfire sealant, prepped with Menzerna ceramic polish.



I've also been using Hyrdo on my titanium car every week instead of wax. Holds up okay, but the ease of use is great.
 
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