Author Archives: Jim Lafeber

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 […]

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. […]

Smoke, Smell, Remove

How to Remove Smoke Smell from a Car

Getting the Smell of Cigarette Smoke Out of Your Vehicle Cigarette smoke is one of the most pervasive odors there is and one of the most difficult to remove from close quarters like your vehicle. I’ve seen smoke smell get behind door panels and discolor the white vapor barrier inside. Smoke build-up sometimes forms a […]

Raggtopp, Convertible Car Care,

The Convertible Care King – Interview with Rick Goldstein of RAGGTOPP

Interview with Rick Goldstein of Wolfstein’s, Inc. By Jim Lafeber, CD Rick Goldstein is the President of Wolfstein’s, Inc., a company that specializes in Automotive and Marine cleaning and protection products for exterior and interior fabric and vinyl. He also is the past President of the International Detailing Association (2010) and in 2013 was awarded […]

Polish, Buffing, Chemicals, Perfect

12 Traits To Look For When Choosing A Polish

My idea of a great polish is one that cuts paint in order to remove defects that are embedded in a car’s finish. But it needs to do this without being overly aggressive. While you do need some amount of cutting from a polish, one that is too aggressive will remove more clear coat than […]

Towels, Damp, Microfiber, Detailing, Drying

Use Damp Microfiber Towels to Improve Performance

All detailers should make it a habit to use a partially wet or damp microfiber towel when drying a wet car because it absorbs water better than one that is fully dry. Scientifically speaking, the skin of a water molecule is polarized (attracted to specific molecules), thereby acting like a magnet for other liquid or […]