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…

• Remove the tailgate of the vehicle first before you do anything else. By removing the tailgate of the truck you will have easier access to areas that need a protective bed liner coating. Also, remove any bolts or screws that attach any components to the bed itself. If you need to go back and remove or replace items this will make them easier to remove.
• Wash the bed and the tailgate thoroughly. This also includes sanding down any rust spots. If the truck bed is dirty or has rust spots the bed liner coating will not adhere to the truck properly. Furthermore, make sure that the truck has time to dry and that any residual soap residue has been properly removed. If there are spots where the soap has not been completely removed it could cause the paint and bed to corrode under the bed liner.
• Use masking tape to protect any areas that do not require bed liner coating. This will eliminate overspray. Once an area has been sprayed the bed liner is very difficult to remove. Take your time when you are taping off areas you want to protect.
• For the bed liner coating to adhere properly you will need to perform a technique called scuffing. Nylon cut brushes attached to a rotary sander works best. Then use 60-grit sandpaper to get in hard to reach areas. Scuff the entire truck bed lightly in a uniform manner. This process will ensure that the bed liner coating adheres to the truck evenly and properly.
• After the truck bed has been scuffed use an air compressor to remove any remaining debris. Then use a damp cloth and wipe out the truck bed.
• Place a tarp over any items in or around your work area where you do not want residual overspray to land. This will guarantee that you don’t get bed liner coating on any items that do not require it.
• Finally, you are ready to spray on the bed liner coating. Spray the bed liner on in smooth even strokes so you get an even finish. The coating dries quickly so if you want to spray on multiple coats you can go back and spray the area where you started immediately. Once you are finished let all the sprayed areas sit for a few minutes before reinstalling any items that you disassembled.  Now you’ll have one of the best truck bed liners on the road.
  

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.
• If mild dry hand buffing does not work you will need to use a more labor-intensive approach to repair the clear coat paint. Wash your car thoroughly to ensure that all dirt and debris has been removed. If any residual dirt or debris is left on the vehicle it could result in more damage during sanding or you could seal the dirt on to the paint when you reapply clear coat.
• Next, after the surface has been cleaned, lightly wetsand the affected area. Sand lightly to ensure that you only remove the clear coat and not the underlying paint. It is much easier to reapply clear coat than the actual paint. Once you feel you have thoroughly removed the damaged clear coat you are ready for the next step.
• Before repairing clear coat paint make sure you tape off the area you are working on. Then spread newspaper over the areas adjacent to the area you are working on, especially if you are using aerosol clear coat paint. This will ensure that any residual clear coat paint does not get on any undamaged areas.
• Finally, spray or paint the damaged area to repair the clear coat paint. Apply layers evenly and let dry before applying the next layer. When performing this task make sure you are doing so in area where debris in the air will not land on the newly touched up surface. If any debris lands on the newly applied clear coat paint you will need to start the process over. Once the clear coat paint has completely dried take a dry soft cloth and gently rub the newly repaired area in a circular motion to blend in the clear coat evenly.

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.

If you haven’t found that perfect auto detailing product yet, you can shop by product categories. For example, if you are looking for auto detailing products we have specific categories for any of your needs. You will be able to find a list of products for auto detailing, auto detailing kits, exterior detailing or interior detailing. Each category is carefully designed to present you with the best possible products for that need. We know this because our experienced staff of experts has tried and tested every product on our website.

If your supply of auto detailing products is running low or you are just starting out consider one of our kits. Project specific kits are a great way to get everything you need at once. Again, each kit is selected for superior quality and purpose by our dedicated team. It’s also a great way to save money. If you purchase each item separately you could spend 10% – 30% more. Special kits are extremely convenient and a great way to save money.

Not only do we want to provide you with quality products, but with how-to videos and blogs about how to use the products. Check out the Ask the Pros section where you can find advice and tips. We test each product and the Ask the Pros section is where we provide you with what we’ve learned. You can find tips and advice on How to Buff out Scratches, How to Clean Headlights, How to Remove Rust and much more. You will find everything you need at ShineGear.

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.

Car cleaning kits can be purchased for a variety of different purposes, such as a particular type of paint, different types of surfaces or for a specific type of cleaning process. Regardless your needs, cleaning kits are a great way to save money on supplies and make your life easier. Here are a few general car-cleaning kits that every automobile owner should have.

• Headlight Cleaning Kit – Headlights are one of the first things everybody notices about your car, especially at night, and there is nothing worse than dull and dirty headlights. However, headlights can difficult to clean if you don’t have the right tools. Headlight cleaning kits like Presta’s Headlight Restoration Kit have lens restoration products, sealants and plastic cleaners. These products will remove any build up and provide a protective finish so the headlights shine correctly. If you were to use just soap, water and a sponge you would not see the same results.
• Interior Cleaning Kit – Interior cleaning and restoration kits have everything you need to both repair and maintain the interior of your vehicle. This is especially true if you have a leather interior. Over time, if not properly maintained, leather seats can begin to crack and deteriorate. However, if you have an interior kit you can easily maintain the leather so it does get damaged or you will be able to repair any damages. Other kits might include products to clean and maintain your dashboard and other surfaces.
• Tire Cleaning Kit – Tires are usually one area of the vehicle that is consistently neglected during the detailing process. However, cars that have well detailed tires stand out because they look like they did on the showroom. Consider purchasing a kit with products to clean the tire rims and a product to make the tire shine. Well-cleaned and detailed tires are an easy way to make your vehicle stand out. If you enjoy saving money and making your life more convenient consider buying one of these kits.

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

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.

For truck owners they will receive numerous benefits from installing a spray-on bed liner. The application will be a long-term solution to reduce damage from rusting, dents and scratches. The hard polyurethane substance also offers a barrier between the weather, specifically water, and the bed; that will eliminate damage from oxidation and chemical corrosion. Since the liner is a spray-on application it will adhere directly to the bed itself. This means the liner won’t shift or crack, unlike protective molded insert bed protectors. Finally, spray-on bed liners like the Raptor Truck Bed Liner Kit come in a variety of textures and colors so you will have the ability to customize the liner to your truck.

Having a professional installer apply the spray-on bed liner to your truck bed is most likely the easiest solution. However, if you choose to install the liner yourself there are things to think about before taking on the project. First, consider the color you use before installation. Colors other than black are susceptible to fading and discoloration. Other colors will take a certain amount of maintenance to preserve the original color. The liner overtime could become discolored if it is exposed to the sun over long periods. For that reason the best options are either black or dark grey.

Also, if you choose to install the spray-on bed liner yourself make sure you take proper precautions. Use gloves and goggles when installing because the substance dries quickly and once it dries it is difficult to remove. This also holds true for the surfaces of the truck bed. Make sure you properly tape off any areas where you do not want the liner. Once the liner is set is extremely difficult to remove. Finally, be sure to apply the liner evenly. If the liner pools or is applied too heavily there is a great chance it will crack and break under immense weight. Overall, a spray-on bed liner is a great way to add an increased level of protection to your truck while also increasing the truck’s visual appeal.  Shinegear has many truck bed liner options to choose from, so visit sgcardetail.com now to find one that’s right for you.

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

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.

Now that you have your cleaning supplies you can start cleaning your motorcycle. The first step to clean a motorcycle is making sure you remove all the dirt and debris. If possible, use a high-pressured sprayer to remove larger debris before applying any type of soap. If the larger debris is not removed carefully you could risk scratching the bike when you wash it down with a cloth. This is also true when you are applying wax or detailing spray. The more thorough the initial wash is the easier the detailing process will be. However, be careful during this process to not damage the hydraulic break, clutch and electronic components.

Once you have a good clean base you can start the detailing process. If you choose to wax the motorcycle do so in a shaded area. This will allow the wax to dry and cure properly. If too much wax is left on any surfaces or does not dry properly it could cause damage to the finish. Another key detailing element is making sure you are removing dirt and debris from small crevasses and smaller areas. Use a detailing brush or canned air to accomplish this task. This will eliminate build up over time and help keep the bikes components operating at maximum efficiency. How to clean a motorcycle is ultimately up to you but the most important tool in your arsenal is attention to detail.

For the latest and greatest motorcycle detailing products, get to sgcardetail.com.  The experts at ShineGear have everything you need to make your prized possession shine.

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 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.

One of the easiest ways to prevent rust is to ensure you wash your car and wax it on a regular basis. Keeping your vehicle clean will help make certain that foreign substances don’t damage the surfaces of the vehicle over time. This is extremely important in colder climates where the vehicle will be exposed to road salt. The salt builds up on the vehicle and damages surfaces if not removed quickly. Keeping the surfaces of your vehicle protected is key and another way to accomplish that is by waxing your vehicle. Car wax is another protective element that provides a defensive barrier between your vehicle and rust. There are more expensive options to prevent rust such as electronic rust prevention kits and rust prevention paint. However, if you keep your vehicle washed and waxed it should provide sufficient protection from rust.

Sometimes prevention is not sufficient enough and you need to consider options to remove rust. If you are not sure how to remove rust you should first consider the magnitude of the project. If it is a small scratch or dent there are various products that are easy to use. Some of these products might include Evapo-Rust or a Scratch Patch pen. These products will stop the oxidation process so the effected areas can be repaired with either touch-up paint or be resealed. However, if the rusted area is more severely damaged the corrective process will most likely be more complicated and more time intensive.

Areas with severe amounts of rust that are significantly damaged will usually need a greater level of attention. The process most likely will consist of sanding off the rust, cleaning the area with acid, applying a filler agent, then applying paint and ultimately reapplying a clear coat finish. If all of these processes are not completed correctly it could cause more damage to the vehicle or result in a poor outcome. For that reason you should consider your level of skill and expertise before attempting a larger rust removal project. Remember, rust prevention and addressing small rust spots before they turn into larger problem areas is significantly easier and cheaper than addressing a rust issue when it is out of control.

Trust the experts at ShineGear, we know how to remove rust.  To get all your rust prevention and rust remover products, visit sgcardetail.com and browse our complete line.  We’re sure to have the best auto detailing products on the market.

Headlights are one of the most distinguishing features on any vehicle. However, when it comes to

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.

Instructions

• Your headlights are usually the first point of contact when it comes to dirt and debris when you are driving. For that reason it is highly important each headlight is properly cleaned removing all dirt and debris. This can be achieved by using soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner from Wizards. If you have a power washer that would be the preferred method to clean your headlights.
• Work in an area that is not in direct sunlight. This will help ensure the sealant and restoration crème dries properly and evenly. Direct sunlight could alter the affects of the different products creating a less than desirable outcome.
• Tape off the surrounding areas. This will help protect any painted areas or surrounding areas from being damaged or affected by headlight restoration products.
• Open the hood of you vehicle so you have easy access to all parts of the headlight. It is also a good idea to open the hood when you are cleaning the headlight as well.
• For your own protection it would be beneficial to wear safety goggles if you are using a drill to polish the headlight. This will protect your eyes from any residual chemical splatter.
• Follow the instructions that come with your kit. Each kit is a little bit different. Therefore, you will want to apply and complete the processes as stated to maximize the potential of the products you are using.
• Finally, if you are sanding the headlights you will want to be careful not to remove all of the UV protect ant on the lenses. If the UV protect ant is completely removed you will get a hazing affect that will dull the light beams. If sanding is absolutely necessary you might want to look into buying a UV protect ant that you can reapply. However, this is not usually the case. Usually headlights can be restored start to finish using a headlight restoration kit from ShineGear.

Quit driving around with yellowed, hazy headlights.  Learn how to clean headlights the right way to avoid ruining the overall appearance of your ride.  The experts at ShineGear have everything you need to restore the look of your headlights.  Visit us online at sgcardetail.com to get our headlight restoration kits and to browse the rest of our auto detailing products.

When it comes to

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.

On the other hand car polishing should not be performed regularly. Remember, you are sanding down the clear coat that is protecting the underlying paint. If polishing is performed too often it will eventually remove the clear coat. Once the clear coat has been removed you will affect the actual paint on the surface of the car and you will not be able to reproduce a shining effect unless clear coat is reapplied. Therefore, you should only polish the car when the paint has become dull. So, on to how to polish a car:

Polishing Instructions

• Clean the vehicle thoroughly – If all the debris and dirt is not removed from the surface of the vehicle you could risk either damaging the car or sealing the dirt into the paint. Clean the car with soap and water then dry the vehicle with a microfiber cloth. Finally, inspect the car to ensure all of the dirt and debris was removed.
• Tape off any surfaces you don’t intend to polish – This will ensure that you don’t discolor or damage the vehicles trim or any emblems. Visit our site to find the right car tape for your vehicle.
  
• Apply polish to buffing pad or rag – If you are using rotary buffer apply the polish to the pad in a circular motion. Then turn the rotary buffer on the slowest speed as you apply the pad to the vehicle. Work the buffer in a circular motion then up and down as you gently apply pressure. As you continue to buff the vehicle you can increase the speed of the buffer until you buff the polish smooth and clear. However, it is important to remember not apply too much pressure or use too high of a speed because the increased friction will damage the vehicle. The process is same if you are applying the polish by hand.
• Remove excess polish – Once you are done buffing wipe down the area where you applied polish. If you are not getting the desired outcome you might need to complete the process again until you see the desired outcome.

Learning how to polish a car is really quite simple.  Follow the steps we’ve laid out to you and let your ride see the shine once again.  For our complete line of car polishing supplies CLICK HERE NOW!  The experts at ShineGear always have the best auto detailing products in stock.  Visit our website at sgcardetail.com to browse our complete line of products.

One of the most important steps, if not the most important step when detailing a car is taking some time and researching

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.

After cleaning the vehicle you will be ready to apply the auto wax. When you are applying the wax, apply the product to the microfiber cloth you are using. This will help control the amount of product being applied. If you apply too much or too little you will get either a dull effect from using too much wax or no effect from using too little wax. Start at one spot and work your way around the vehicle. Apply the car wax in a circular motion – this will help to reduce streaking.

Once you are finished applying the auto wax, return to the original spot where you started. At this point the auto wax should be dry, then start the process over. However, this time use a new dry cloth to buff off the remaining wax (microfiber cloths work best). Use the dry cloth and buff the vehicle in the opposite motion you used to apply the finish. Use a moderate amount of pressure to ensure that you are removing any residual wax. Periodically check the cloth for a build up of wax. If the wax builds up on the cloth then you will be continuing to apply wax when you are trying to remove it. This process might need to be repeated to ensure that every bit of residual wax is removed and there are no streaks or blemishes. If too much wax is left on the car for an extended period of time it could cause damage to the paint. That is why it is a good idea to return to the car after a couple of hours for one last inspection.

When considering an auto wax and how to wax a car, there are some variables to consider.  The type of vehicle you own, the finish, and the expected outcome. However, we recommend these top 3:

1. Meguiar’s® – Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax (16oz)

2. Surf City Garage – Barrier Reef Carnauba Wax

3. Meguiar’s® – HI-TECH YELLOW WAX

To browse our complete line of auto waxes and sealants CLICK HERE.  The experts at ShineGear test all of our products and stand behind them 100%.  We only carry the best car waxes and auto detailing products on the market.  Feel free to browse our extensive line at sgcardetail.com.