Author Archives: Jim Lafeber

Ceramic coating product displayed in front of a car

Why Ceramic Coatings Fail (And What Actually Makes Them Last)

A lot of people are skeptical of ceramic coatings, and I understand why. They’ve been burned before.  Marketing makes ceramic coatings sound impervious. You hear it over and over: “Years of protection!” “9H Hardness!” “Extreme water beading!” And yet six months later, the gloss is gone, the finish is swirled and there’s no water beading […]

Applying Dr. Beasley’s Tire Coat Pro to a car tire with an applicator for a long-lasting finish

From Tire Dressings to True Coatings (What Changed, What Didn’t, and What’s Coming Soon)

I’ve been formulating products for tires and trim for a long time. When I first started in 2004, I wasn’t trying to reinvent anything. I was trying to match what was already out there and make it better. At the time, most tire products followed a similar formulation structure: silicone oil for shine, mineral oil […]

Thumbnail image of a matte-finish Mercedes-AMG GT

The Truth About Matte Paint & Why the ‘Experts’ Keep Getting It Wrong

Matte paint care has changed since the first factory matte cars hit the road 15 years ago. The myths about matte, however, haven’t. Consensus is the enemy of progress. Unknown Nowhere is that clearer than in how people talk about matte paint. “You can’t use a microfiber towel on matte paint, you might rub it […]

tire dressing being applied

The End of Tire Dressings and Trim Restorers

This article breaks down the science behind what’s happening at the surface level. It explains why traditional approaches fall short and what actually drives lasting results. If you’ve detailed more than a handful of cars, you’ve seen the same pattern play out. Tires come out deep and dark. Trim looks revived. The vehicle feels finished. […]

Neglected VW Beetle

From a $25 Beetle to Bead Hero: What the Fall Season Teaches Us About Protecting Cars

The Car That Changed Everything Back in the early 1980s, when I was just 15, I bought my uncle’s 1968 VW Beetle for $25. He was ready to sell it to the junkyard for the same amount, but to me that car was priceless. It was rough — rust on the fenders, a tired engine, […]

2014 F12 Berlinetta

F12 Berlinetta Matte Wrapped

Matte Paint Coating protects matte paint and wraps. It goes over emblems, badging, and decals with ease. We used the coating protect this 2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta from staining, fading, and etching. Some of the decals and accents on the Berlinetta are glossy, but MPC still works, it just won’t add any shine.  Reapplication This […]

Wheel Woolies, wheel brushes,

Braun Brush – An Interview With The CEO of a 140 Year Old Company, Lance Cheney

Current Braun Brush CEO and successful sculptor, Lance Cheney, says his company has thrived for 140 years because every generation has brought their own spin to the company. His great-grandfather brought the art of brush making from Germany to America. His grandfather brought an entrepreneurial spirit that built the business during the vulnerable start-up years […]

MTE, Jim Lafeber, Scott Perkin

Five Reasons Why MTE is the Best Professional Detail Show of the Year

I just got back from my third year attending the Mobile Tech Expo, which is held each January in Orlando. Each time I’ve gone, I’ve been completely blown away by this fantastic event, and it gets better each year. Here are five reasons why you should consider attending: 1. Amazing people come to MTE! The […]

Detail Shop, Expectations, Requirements

10 Things To Do in Your Detail Shop

So I run and operate a detail shop in Chicago, IL called Simon’s Shine Shop where my reputation around the city (and wider) has grown based on the customer’s experience. For me it’s not about turnover and how many cars I can get in and out, it’s about the quality that goes into the cars and how […]

Car, Clean, Car Wash, Detail a Car

The Basic Components to Detailing a Car

Detailing a car is quite a bit more extensive than just washing your car. Washing you car could be as simple as soap and water and a vacuum. However, if you’re looking to really deep clean your car for either a sale or an event, follow this guide to learn how to detail a car. […]