Classification and definition

Egger Surface System (ESS) represents the absolute highest level of surface refinement available in my workshop.

This is not a separate paint system, but the consistent optimization of an existing paint structure, a surface that is sanded completely flat and designed for maximum homogeneity of reflection.

The aim is a surface with no visible texture or distortion in the reflection.
Even on large components, where even the smallest unevenness would be noticeable, the reflection remains completely calm.

ESS is not a show-car finish (meaning it is not built solely for display at the expense of long-term stability or practical use), but rather a precise, permanently stable high-gloss finish that shows no optical changes even after many years.

Technical basis: stability as a prerequisite

I use an epoxy primer with special properties as a base, which classic filler or acrylic systems do not offer in the same way:

Maximum corrosion protection
High chemical cross-linking
Diffusion-tight structure
Uniform drying and sanding behavior
No further shrinkage after curing

This means that once the surface has been sanded flat, it stays that way. There are no sink marks, shrinkage or stresses that later become noticeable in the paint structure.

**I am often asked about the thick-film epoxy I use:**

As it is an essential part of my own system and my quality philosophy, we deliberately do not name the brand and product.

Substrate requirements

While a flawless body condition is not an absolute prerequisite for ESS, it is a significant advantage.
The more precisely the metalwork has been carried out, the less material application and correction work is required, keeping the overall film build to a minimum.

This has a positive effect on the value of the vehicle, as thin, even coats of paint are considered by experts to be of higher quality, both technically and visually.

In practice, however, the initial conditions are rarely ideal:
Many vehicles have warping, welded-in repair panels or old layers of filler.

A meticulously built ESS paint system can achieve a completely smooth, distortion-free surface even over difficult substrates.
The difference lies not in what is feasible, but in the effort and the precise craftsmanship required.

The Porsche 356 B in Egger Surface System

From paint structure to finish

The basic paint structure is similar to that of a high-quality restoration paint job:

The primer is followed by a finely sanded insulating filler
Then the base coat
Finally, a 2K clear coat with a high solids content.

Depending on the customer's wishes or the original condition of the vehicle, painting with nitrocellulose lacquer is of course possible (without applying a clear coat afterwards).

The decisive difference takes place after the paint has been applied:
While conventional painting processes stop at standard polishing, this is precisely where the real work begins with ESS.

The paint layers—either clear coat or nitrocellulose lacquer—are allowed to cure completely through air drying, without using an oven.

This is followed by full-surface sanding in several stages: P800 → P1200 → P2000

The aim is to eliminate any structure so that the light is reflected without any refraction. Only then does the multi-stage polishing process begin, with various polishing compounds and pads of varying hardness.

There is no standard formula, as each surface behaves individually.

**Bentley S1 James Young**

An appraisal was carried out after the paintwork.
Due to the outstanding paint quality, the vehicle was valued significantly higher than before the restoration.

Practical examples and application

Customers can choose which finishing level they want for their paintwork. The Egger Surface System represents the absolute final stage.

Example: BMW 3.0 CSL "Bob Lutz"
The large side section of the vehicle would have made even the smallest panel distortion visible.
A standard finish would not have created the visual calm that the car deserves.
As there are big plans for the vehicle, the customer deliberately opted for the best possible quality. More on this in the future!

Example: BMW 3.0 CSL in Silver
In my opinion, an ESS finish has the most striking visual impact on dark paintwork, though it is equally possible in any other shade.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL in my workshop is being painted in Polar Silver and finished with ESS.
You can see more of this vehicle on my social media channels and soon on YouTube.

The standard turnaround time for an ESS vehicle is **at least 6 months**, ensuring that every single step is executed with the extreme precision and care necessary to achieve the extraordinary quality of Egger Surface System.

Care and long-term behavior

An ESS finish does not require any special care, but it is more sensitive to improper cleaning.
Immediately after finishing, I always apply a ceramic coating.

The gloss level remains constant over the years.
Some of my works show the same degree of reflection even after more than ten years as on the day of delivery.

Care recommendations for an ESS finish:

Hand washing:
Avoid using dirty water or contaminated cleaning materials, as dirt particles can scratch the surface. Always use soft microfibre cloths to prevent fine scratches caused by friction.
Refresh once a year: polishing and sealing
A thorough polish removes light surface scratches and maintains the shine.
After polishing, the surface should be treated with a high-quality ceramic sealant to protect the paint surface in the long term and improve cleanability.
Avoid car washes
Automatic car washes, especially those with hard brushes, should be avoided as they can leave micro-scratches.
If the use of a car wash is unavoidable, a non-contact car wash should be used.

The Egger Surface System is the systematic evolution of the traditional flat-sanding process, adapted for automotive paintwork. For me, it is the logical final stage of a high-quality restoration finish: technically sound, reproducible and permanently stable.

What does the Egger Surface System cost?

Pricing in my workshop cannot be fixed across the board.
Each vehicle must be personally inspected by me in its stripped condition so that I can assess the condition of the substrate, what preparatory work is necessary and the total cost involved.
All these factors play a decisive role in determining the final price.

For more information on how a commission is handled from initial assessment to final delivery, read my next blog post: "How does a project work with the Oldtimermeisterlackierer?"

Jörg Egger / Oldtimermeisterlackierer

What is the Egger Surface System?