Product Review: Todd Cooperider’s Esoteric Signature Series Wax

Ivan Rajic

12 years ago

Todd Cooperider of Esoteric Auto Detail has paired up with POLISHANGEL of Germany to design, develop, and manufacture this amazing liquid wax. Esoteric Signature Series Wax was designed around four key attributes: brilliance, durability, ease of use, and value. A key feature of this wax is just how easy it is to apply. There is virtually no learning curve while applying this wax and the unique development process has helped ensure that regardless of conditions (i.e. weather, humidity, etc.), there will be a minimal chance that the wax will ever streak or haze. Simply apply 2 or 3 small drops to your favorite applicator pad and apply a thin layer to the surface of your car. You can even apply it via a dual action buffer (no rotary), just use a blue pad on a slow speed (1-2). In general, on most daily drivers carnauba waxes will only offer a few weeks of protection, with Signature Series you will receive 4-6 months of sealant like protection! There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a high end carnauba wax when Esoteric Signature Series Wax will offer you brilliance, durability, and ease of use at a greater value. Another added bonus is that this wax was designed so that it will bond to the 22ple Glass Coatings! So if you are looking for professional results pick up the wax that was designed by a professional detailer who aspires for perfection in everything he does.

Here’s another product where I feel my review is slightly redundant, as the description above perfectly explains the wax in question. Knowing Todd since his early days in detailing, it was always obvious that he was one of the very few detailers out there with an extremely meticulous eye and drive for perfection. When I heard that he was working on manufacturing a wax that will bear his name, I immediately knew this was going to be something to beat whatever is on the market in terms of value. I was right. To repeat the text above, the Esoteric Signature Series Wax (ESS Wax) is extremely easy to apply, looks amazing on any color paint, lasts at least 2-4 months under moderate conditions and is the best bang for the buck of the higher end waxes out there. Just off the top of my head, comparing it to Pinnacle Souveran, which I use on a regular basis, the Esoteric wax provides the same or better great looks and way better durability for only $30 more. Not to put down Souveran, or paint sealants like Blackfire Wet Diamond, which I also use on a regular basis for its great looks and durability and ones I will keep using, but the Esoteric wax has an overall value that’s hard to beat in this price range, providing both great looks and amazing durability. I obviously did quite a bit of experimenting before coming to these conclusions (yes Todd I did trust you when you told me all this, but I had to try it out myself 🙂 ), so as with all my other reviews on paint protection products, I was focused on testing the ease of use, durability and looks of the Esoteric Signature Series Wax.

Application & Removal:

Unlike other waxes and sealants, the ESS wax is a bit odd in terms of it’s consistency and application. It feels like a melted paste wax when coming out of the bottle and it spreads like it as well. This is surely not a bad thing, just something I noticed right off the bat. Working with it while applying also gives the feel of working with a carnauba wax because you have to slowly apply it to a small section until the applicator pad is saturated. When the pad is saturated enough, which happens after roughly half a hood, you can make longer strokes and apply it to the paint much quicker. In other words, it feels like a carnauba wax in terms of initial application. However, curing, removing and protecting is very similar to any quality sealant out there. It takes about 20 minutes to cure, after which removal is a breeze. In the photos below, I’ve shown that after just one wipe back and forth, the residue is usually all gone and you’re left with a shiny protected surface. There is no need for any “buffing” with pressure or worrying about leaving an oily surface. Little definitely goes a long way with this one, so if it’s properly applied it’ll be extremely easy to remove.

Durability:

Durability is great for something that gives off the look of a carnauba wax. I’ve seen it last about 3-3.5 months in a harsh Chicago winter with a single application and expect it to surely go the expected 4-6 months and more in nicer weather. One of my favorite things about this wax is the fact that it requires no additional wax afterward for “looks”. For those who like the durability of a sealant this product requires no sealant application before hand. It’s simply the best of both worlds in one little package.

Looks:

The ESS Wax is definitely one of my favorite in terms of looks. It gives a brilliant shine and deep, wet look on any color of paint. Having used it on some paints in desperate need of a proper polishing, I was pretty happy with the difference in depth and clarity provided by only using the wax. Another great thing I noticed is the rich look it provides on metallic paints, making the flake really pop.

Final Thoughts:

Definitely something I’d recommend as a high end wax for special occasions or certain detail jobs. I use it regularly and also like to use it as a topper to 22PLE coatings on some vehicles that get some more involved detailing work. As I said above, the ease of use and durability make this a real winner, but combined with its great looks it becomes on of the best products out there for paint protection.