Essence lovers please check in - questions

TTQ B4U

TTQ B4U

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CarPro Essence Xtreme Gloss Enhancer 250 ml

So I've read several posts on Essence and and am intrigued as I don't know much about it and have yet to use it. My main goal is searching for an AIO that lasts longer than HD Speed. I LOVE the fact that HD Speed works so well for corrections and is easy as heck to remove from the surface.

How does Essence compare in terms of removal and longevity?

I see where the description notes it's a good base layer for Cquartz, but would that work for McKee's coating or no?

Thanks for the insight as I love learning and trying out new found products. New to me anyway....
 
I just use it as a base coat for coatings. For me it is a time saver and gloss enhancer. My normal usage is as a follow up to Menz FG400. I don't use it as an AOI, but I have read that some detailers do and it lasts a couple of months. You could follow it up with Hydro2 and it should last longer and shine more.
 
pdqgp said:
My main goal is searching for an AIO that lasts longer than HD Speed.
Click to expand...

Haven't tried it yet, but what about McKee's 360--protection supposed to last 6 months.
 
IME it behaves nothing like a typical AIO. The buffing cycle is short and has a bit of a learning curve at 1st.. Because of that short buffing cycle I've always had a hard time making myself believe I'm accomplishing anything when I use it. I've yet to experience anything even remotely extraordinary when it comes to it enhancing gloss.

And while it claims to be a good filler, it doesn't feel like that's what's going on while I'm using it.. I dunno, I just have a hard time believing filling is going on when it usually takes the most aggressive pads to even see favorable results. It feels more like it's cutting, which is why I won't trust it like I would something like a Poorboys Black Hole if my intention is to fill.

Essence has been a huge letdown for me.
 
Essence for me works with light cutting pads better than polishing or finishing pads. My pads of choice with Essence is Rupes Yellow,BnS or LC Orange, LC HD Orbital Blue and sometimes MF pads. Gloss pads or finishing pads don't seem to work well with it.
 
I have used it under CQuart Finest, regular CQuartz, Opti Gloss Coat, and Americoat, all with great success. I see no reason why McKee's wouldn't work. I have used it primarily with a white or yellow Buff and Shine pad on my 3401.
 
I have used it after FG400 and GG Fast Correcting cream. It is more of a finishing polish for me to remove haze and leaves a nice finish with incredible gloss. I usually use it with CarPro Gloss Pads or Rupes Yellow/White pads. I've topped it with Optimum Gloss Coat and Reload with amazing results. If used properly with the right application method it is a solid product.
 
I've used it with McKee's on a couple of test vehicles and they are going strong after a few months of periodic tunnel touchless washing. Doing it on my own car next.

It's supposed to last a year on its own since it has trace amounts of SiO2 in it but the hydrophobic properties are not what people usually desire. It's extremely easy to use/remove most of the time too. I've had one issue where it gummed up a little bit on me but that was user error. Usually one slower wipe with a towel then buffed with the other side and you're good.
 
Will not correct like a med or light compound, but a great finishing polish. The main advantage on using Essence as a finishing polish, is no cleaning wipe down needed. Acts like a primer for most coatings.
 
Good information all!

Rsurfer said:
Will not correct like a med or light compound, but a great finishing polish. The main advantage on using Essence as a finishing polish, is no cleaning wipe down needed. Acts like a primer for most coatings.
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^^ Thank you sir! That nailed it and helps a lot.

ski2 said:
Haven't tried it yet, but what about McKee's 360--protection supposed to last 6 months.
Click to expand...

Still reading up on it myself. I like several other McKee's products but would hate to buy it if it's another flavor of what I've already got in HD Speed.
 
Something confusing to me with essence-- I thought with coatings you want a completely virgin surface. And being an AIO, essence leaves behind some protection of its own. And yet, it's ok to put coatings on top of it? From everything I've learned- I thought an AIO would prevent or hinder adherence of coatings? Catch me up, please :)
 
Straight from Corey.

65A025D8-3CAE-422B-B668-497AE14FBB04_zpsfu5rdvz2.png
 
I've used it successfully as a base for Pinnacle Black Label paint coating, should be just fine with the McKees.

I've found Essence to need removal as soon as the section pass is completed. I tried doing a whole panel in multiple section passes without wiping off and I had problems removing the polish after. My thought is that the SiO2 in the polish hardened because it wasn't removed. I had to repolish the areas afterwards.

I think once you get the hang of Essence it is a really great product. I've used it successfully as a one step polish prior to a coating and I was impressed with the gloss it produced. You might just have to play with it a bit to understand how it behaves.
 
Taking advantage of the topic I have some doubts about Essence.

After using Essence I can use wax on it?

I have to wait a while?

Thank you
 
FLAVIOBR said:
Taking advantage of the topic I have some doubts about Essence.

After using Essence I can use wax on it?

I have to wait a while?

Thank you
Click to expand...
Essence has a protectant (SIo2) and is considered a mild coating with up to six months of durability. I personally would top Essence with CQuartz or Reload. However, I don't see why you couldn't top it with a wax after an hour of rest.
 
FLAVIOBR said:
Taking advantage of the topic I have some doubts about Essence.

After using Essence I can use wax on it?

I have to wait a while?

Thank you
Click to expand...

See the snapshot I posted. Corey of Car Pro answers that really well.
 
I really enjoy Essence. It dramatically increases gloss levels even on brand new cars. It is an absolute godsend for soft, high-gloss, black b-pillars.

I'm currently performing a longevity test with Essence + Reload on our 2005 Kia. After about 2 months the hydrophobic abilities fell off a little bit; however, the finish is still extremely slick and glossy and looks like it is well protected.

I mainly use Essence as a primer polish under CQuartz. It's a great time saver to use as a finishing polish that doesn't require an additional wipe-down step.
 
The Guz said:
See the snapshot I posted. Corey of Car Pro answers that really well.
Click to expand...

Yes he answered that you have to wait one hour, but not if you could use a regular sealant and/or wax after polishing with Essence!?!?!?:dunno:

Also would there be any impact on the longevity of sealants and wax??

Thanks for any help!

:thankyousign:
 
Thanks Everyone!

I ordered up some this morning and may try it out on an SUV I have coming in this weekend. It's a black mettalic Ford Exploerer so it should show nicely.

Things I'm looking at are:

Gloss Level Achieved
Ease of use / application working and removal of product

I currently use either HD Adapt or Meg's Ultimate Polish prior to apply the McKee's 37 coating but if essence is easy to use and doesn't require a wipe down and the gloss levels are great then I may move to using it.
 
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