Welcome to the Shinegear Blog. Our goal with this site is to educate and inform our customers. We consider ourselves car detailing experts and we simply want to share our knowledge so that you can make informed car care decisions.

Bed Liner Coating

Posted on November 9, 2011 by admin

bed-liner-coating If you own a truck that you value you should consider one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to protect that investment. Bed liner coatings are a simple and easy way to protect your truck. Unlike, a drop in liner a bed liner coating adheres to the truck bed itself. Drop in bed liners have a tendency to rub against the paint and trap in moisture and debris. That moisture and debris can cause rust and corrosion if left in contact with the paint over time.

However, if you apply a spray on bed liner coating you are putting a permanent seal between the bed itself and the elements that will ultimately over time ruin the truck bed. There is nothing worse than working diligently to keep up your truck for years and then when you lower your tailgate you have a damaged and rusted truck bed. Bed liner coatings are a great way to avoid this embarrassment. If you are considering installing a bed liner coating the following steps will assist you in the process.

Steps to a successful bed liner coating installation… Continue reading →

How to Repair Clear Coat Paint

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin

how-to-repair-clear-coat-paint Properly maintaining the clear coat paint on your vehicle is important because this top finish is what gives your vehicle’s paint its glossy sheen. However, before you repair the clear coat paint on your vehicle you should first understand its function. The clear coat paint is protective enamel that protects the underlying pigmented paint from the elements, nicks, and scratches. The clear coat paint also refracts the light in such a way that is visually appealing and makes the vehicle stand out. Even though the clear coat provides a layer of protection it is still a rather soft substance that needs to be maintained on a regular basis. To get the best results to repair clear coat paint consider the following steps when learning how to repair clear coat paint.

First, before you try to repair any scratches or damaged areas try wiping down the effected area with a soft cloth (microfiber works best). By applying pressure with a soft cloth you might be able to remove the scratch without using any type of buffing agent or clear coat product. If you do not see any results you will need to move to the next step. Continue reading →

Auto Detailing Products

Posted on November 1, 2011 by admin

auto-detailing-products ShineGear is your auto detailing supplies online superstore; we have everything you might need! On our website you will find a wide variety of products including auto detailing kits, waterless car washing products, car waxes & sealants, polishers, detailing brushes and rust removers. These products will meet every detailing or maintenance need you may have. There are products for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and boat & marine. Each product has been carefully selected to meet specific needs and our high quality standards.

If you are shopping for auto detailing products you can shop by brand or by your specific need. On our website we have a product brand section where you can choose from your favorite manufactures. Most car owners are usually loyal customers and when they find a brand that works they stick with it. For that reason our Shop by Brand section will take you straight to that manufacturer and give you a list of every product we carry. Continue reading →

Cleaning Kits

Posted on October 29, 2011 by admin

When it comes to taking care of your vehicle it is important to make sure you have the right tools for the job. However, if you are just starting to assemble these tools the process can be overwhelming. If you feel this is the case then you might want to consider purchasing already assembled car cleaning kits. If you purchase specialized cleaning kits, you will be sure to have the exact tool for every detailing and cleaning need.

One of the greatest benefits of purchasing cleaning kits is the immediate cost savings you see. Cleaning kits can usually save you anywhere from 10% – 30%. By the time you add up the cost of each item you need for a specific task it is usually significantly more expensive. Therefore, if you are a savvy consumer it only makes sense to purchase everything together.

The other benefit of purchasing a car cleaning kit is the convenience and specific purpose each kit accomplishes. Knowledgeable experts within the industry assemble each cleaning kit so you will have everything you need. Therefore, you can be assured that you will achieve you desired results. Continue reading →

Spray-on Bed Liner

Posted on October 26, 2011 by admin

spray-on-bed-liner Trucks are All-American vehicles designed to take on the toughest projects in the harshest conditions. But, this means that your truck can also be subjected to a beating that can cause damage and diminish the value. One way to minimize damage caused from weathering and hauling different types of loads is by installing a spray-on bed liner. This protective application is a great way to protect the bed from the sun, rain, scratches or any other elements that could cause damage.

Protective spray-on bed liners are made from a hard polyurethane substance that provides protection from the weather and scrapes and scratches. The liner can be applied in two different manners. It can either be applied professionally or by self-application. Professional application can usually be done quite quickly, however, the cost is usually more significant. If you apply the liner yourself there is a significant cost savings, but directions need to be followed closely. However, there are various spray-on bed liner kits that make the process relatively simple. Continue reading →

How to Clean a Motorcycle

Posted on October 22, 2011 by admin

how-to-clean-a-motorcycle Unlike automobiles, motorcycles are not just another means of transportation. They are masterfully crafted works of art with passionate owners who take great pride in their bikes. Therefore, more consideration should be given in regards to how to clean a motorcycle as apposed to an automobile. Motorcycles have more exposed areas that are susceptible to damage from dirt and debris. Properly detailing a motorcycle is extremely important to ensure superior performance and to guarantee a greater visual appeal. If your motorcycle is your passion then proper care and maintenance, especially cleaning, should be a priority.

Again, unlike automobiles, motorcycles have more specialized areas and features that need to be cleaned more thoroughly and with greater care. With this in mind you shouldn’t just use cleaning chemicals you have around the house or the same ones you use to clean you vehicle. There are multiple products specifically designed to clean a motorcycle. For example, household soaps will remove existing wax and could corrode aluminum. Also, standard household rags might scratch or damage finishes – consider soft microfiber cloths. The best way to assemble these items is to consider either purchasing a detail cleaning kit or putting together a motorcycle cleaning toolbox. Some of the items you might need include professional detailer spray, tire dressing and protectant, applicator pads, all purpose cleaner, polish and breathable sealant, microfiber cloths, large scrub brush and a smaller detail brush. A kit is a great place to start, but you want to ultimately create a toolbox with products that work for you. Continue reading →

How to Remove Rust

Posted on October 20, 2011 by admin

how-to-remove-rust One of the most dangerous threats to your vehicle is not necessarily another driver, but a silent threat you might not think about until it’s too late – RUST. For this reason you might want to add rust prevention and rust removal to your car’s maintenance checklist. How to remove rust and rust prevention are important car maintenance concepts to remember because car rust can cause severe damage to your vehicle if left unattended.

Rust on your vehicle is a result of a process known as oxidation. It is a chemical reaction that occurs when any unprotected metal surface of your vehicle is exposed to the oxygen present in the air that causes the exposed area to corrode (or oxidize) and form metal oxide – rust. Unprotected surfaces on your vehicle are usually a result of damage to the body or under carriage of the vehicle. These damages could include scratches, dents or weathering of the protective surfaces. However, before you consider how to remove rust you want to also remember that there are ways to prevent rust before it occurs. Continue reading →

How to Clean Headlights

Posted on October 18, 2011 by admin

how-to-clean-headlights Headlights are one of the most distinguishing features on any vehicle. However, when it comes to detailing your car this is often an area that is neglected. Foggy, cloudy or yellowed headlights are highly visible and very noticeable. Therefore, if you are going to detail your car you might as well learn how to clean headlights because it’s something everybody will notice.

When it comes to detailing your headlights it takes more than soapy water and a rag. While properly cleaning the headlights is an important part of the process it will not fix foggy, cloudy or yellowed headlights. For that reason you will need some different car cleaning supplies – specifically a headlight restoration kit. A proper headlight restoration kit should include a restoration crème (removes light-to-medium scratches and discoloration), a headlight sealant (protects lenses and prevents discoloration), all-purpose cleaner and a buffing pad for application. If you have a kit with these accessories it will make the process much easier and produces a more effective outcome. Continue reading →

How to Polish a Car

Posted on October 16, 2011 by admin

how-to-polish-a-car When it comes to car detailing, people frequently ask how to polish a car. We say there are two different and distinct ways to enhance the body of a vehicle and give it that “shimmer” effect. These two different techniques are car polishing and car waxing. Unfortunately, these two different terms are referenced and used interchangeably and inaccurately depicting the same thing. This is quite often the case when it comes to manufacturers stating what their product is designed to accomplish. Therefore, it is imperative to know the difference between the two so you will accomplish the desired outcome without damaging the vehicle.

Car polish is a substance that is mildly abrasive and is designed to sand down the surface of the paint, thus creating a shiny finish. Polishing a vehicle should only be performed when the paint of the car has become dull. Wax on the other hand is a non-abrasive substance that is designed to protect the car and fill in dents and dimples in the paint. If you put car wax over a dull paint job it will only seal in the imperfections. Both processes need to be performed in conjunction with each other to produce the desired effect. Wax should only be used as a finishing process to enhance and protect the paint. Continue reading →

How to Wax a Car

Posted on October 14, 2011 by admin

how-to-wax-a-car One of the most important steps, if not the most important step when detailing a car is taking some time and researching how to wax a car. Choosing the right brand and type of wax can be a huge determining factor as to how your vehicle looks in the end. There are a wide variety auto wax brands and products to choose from. Certain brands can be more expensive while other brands are more cost effective. However, you shouldn’t make your decision on cost alone. Read reviews from other car owners who have used the product. Their feedback will be a great way to help you determine the product that will be right for you. While all products are not created equal you will however want to choose a wax that is nonabrasive for the best possible outcome.

Finally, you have chosen the right auto wax product – the next step will be cleaning your vehicle. This is a very important step because it will ensure that you don’t damage the paint or finish. If dirt or debris is left on the vehicle it could cause damage by scratching the paint when you apply the car wax. Clean your vehicle and then either wipe it dry or let it air dry. Try to complete this step in a shaded area so the surface doesn’t dry before the dirt can be removed. After the car is dry, inspect the surfaces for any debris or dirt that might have been missed. This final step will guarantee that you don’t create any unwanted marks or blemishes. Continue reading →