claying is sexy...

[MameXP]

OK to help the poor guy out

The proper steps in detailing are : ( you can choose diff products that equipvalent):
Wash and dry
Clay
Wash and dry
ScratchX (if you have any scratches)
#9
#80 or #83 (only use #83 if you have deap swirls)
#7
#NXT wax

Only do this twice a year is enough, its never good overdoing it. Also Wax every month after this with #26

There go do some real detailing

[MameXP]

Here is an article on claying, read it throughly to know what it does and how to do it:

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=14

[Pb]

Unless your vehicle is heavily contaminated, there's no need to clay every time before polishing. That is overkill for 90% of people. It's nice if you can do them both, but just polishing is fine, as long as you've clayed some time in the last 6 months. IMO

BTW, I've won two 1st place and one 3rd place trophies in Concours events with my Saleen. Just in case you were doubting my credentials.