🎧 EPISODE 35: THE BIGGEST DETAILING MYTHS EXPOSED!

🔎 Hosted by Andrew St-Pierre & Ercan Hurmuzlu – Pulling Back the Curtain on Detailing Myths | SudsToSuccess Podcast

INTRODUCTION

Detailing has come a long way, but with growth comes misinformation. In this episode of the SudsToSuccess Podcast, Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu dive deep into the biggest detailing myths that continue to confuse both customers and professionals. From polishing fears to wax layering, they separate fact from fiction and share practical insights from their years in the business.No fluff. No sugarcoating. Just straight talk about the Detailing Myths that keep getting recycled and why it’s time to bury them for good.

MYTH #1 – “WATER-BASED DRESSINGS ARE ALWAYS SAFE”

Water-based dressings are commonly viewed as harmless, but Andrew and Ercan warn that applying them to areas like pedals is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Pedals should never be slippery or shiny—customers don’t care if they look brand new. A light cleaning and safety-first approach is always the smarter choice.

MYTH #2 – “MACHINE POLISHING ALWAYS DAMAGES PAINT”

Many car owners fear that polishing means swirls, burns, or permanent damage. The hosts break this down clearly: bad technique, not polishing itself, is the problem. When done correctly with the right products, polishing enhances paintwork safely. Efficiency, not over-polishing, is the key to achieving results without unnecessary risk.

MYTH #3 – “CARS MUST BE PERFECT TO BE COATED”

There’s a misconception that paint must be flawless before ceramic coating. The truth? No car is perfect. Even brand-new vehicles often arrive with defects, chips, or poor paintwork from the factory. The goal is improvement and protection, not unrealistic perfection. Customers are happier when expectations are managed honestly.

MYTH #4 – “MORE COATS OF WAX OR CERAMIC MEAN MORE PROTECTION”

Layering products may sound impressive, but the science doesn’t back it up. Applying multiple coats of wax or ceramic coating is a waste of time and money. What matters most is quality of application and product chemistry—not stacking layers. Efficiency beats gimmicks every time.

MYTH #5 – “SELF-HEALING COATINGS ARE LIKE PPF”

Self-healing ceramic coatings are often marketed as if they can replace paint protection film (PPF). Andrew and Ercan set the record straight: they’re not the same. While they can reduce light defects and provide a great finish, they don’t protect against deeper scratches or heavy abuse. Overpromising only leads to unhappy customers.

BEYOND THE MYTHS – BUSINESS GROWTH & REALITY

The Episode also dives into the real-world challenges of running and expanding a detailing business. From rapid growth to team building, Andrew shares his personal experiences of expanding services like window tinting and PPF while balancing efficiency and quality. They emphasize the importance of focusing on your own journey rather than constantly comparing to big-budget shops on social media.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Detailing myths can hurt both professionals and customers, but breaking them down builds trust and credibility. Episode 35 of the SudsToSuccess Podcast proves that efficiency, honesty, and proper technique matter more than chasing trends or overcomplicating the process.

💡 WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS

This isn’t just shop talk—it’s about working smarter, not harder. Andrew and Ercan break down how myths cost detailers time, money, and credibility, and how shifting to efficiency-first thinking can transform your business.

🎧 WHERE TO LISTEN

👂 Stream the Full episode: Spotify

▶️ Catch Highlights & Myths busted: YouTube Shorts

🎵 Quick tips in motion: TikTok

📸 Behind-the-scenes shop life: Instagram

✨ One link, For All access → sudstosuccesspodcast.com

🚫 DETAILING MYTHS WE KILLED THIS WEEK

🔹 “Machine polishing always damages paint” → Wrong. Bad technique does.

🔹 “More coats = better protection” → Nope. Efficiency beats layers.

🔹 “Self-healing coatings are just like PPF” → Not even close.

🔹 “Water-based dressings are always safe” → Don’t even think about pedals.

🔹 “Cars need to be perfect before coating” → Perfection doesn’t exist.

📣 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

📝 What’s the biggest detailing myth you still hear? Drop it in the Comments—let’s bust them together.

👍 Hit that Like button if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at bad detailing advice.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss the next myth-busting session.

🚀 CLOSING THOUGHT

Detailing isn’t about chasing perfection or stacking layers of wax—it’s about clear expectations, real results, and keeping customers safe.

“Efficiency and honesty will outlast every gimmick.”

If you found this breakdown helpful, stay tuned for more episodes packed with insights, laughs, and real-world detailing wisdom.

Until next time, Wrap it up smart, detail with purpose, and never fall for the Myths—Shine on! 🧽