I searched a lot, however most of the “how to” and Guides seem to be really old, and most are on specific topics; performing a specific task like washing, polishing waxing etc.
These are really helpful, but I am just trying to figure out what do I need first.

I just want to get a basic guide of products, for each step of the process; an affordable exterior guide for the average guy, average vehicle.
Basically that any vehicle could use, without damaging or making anything worse (light scratches, light swirl marks etc)

DUAL ACTION POLISHER; I am leaning towards getting the MEGUIAR'S G220 DUAL ACTION MACHINE POLISHER V2

1st – Wash;
Any quality automotive soap.

2nd - Clay Bar;
Any quality automotive clay bar.

3rd - Pre-Cleaner;
Applicator/ pad?
Popular Products?

4th – Seal;
Foam Wax Applicator Pad?
Popular Products?

5th – Wax;
Foam Wax Applicator Pad?
Popular Products?

Any other basic steps?

 

-Pinnacle clay.
-Klasse AIO.
-P21S 100%.

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/gallery/i...328-img-22721/

 

Megs DA is a great machine, however it is on the bit pricey side compared to its competitors and also has a limited warranty. Griots Garage DA has a lifetime warranty and its reasonably priced

1. I would suggest a couple of them 1 to prep the car for compounding and polishing and another for maintenance washing. Carpro Reset, chemical guys citrus wash (not the gloss) and for maintenance anything with polymers and wax in it should be fine.

2. If you like clay any should do just get a light or fine grade so it doesnt mar the paint. Otherwise get a nano skin or speedy prep products. a bit pricier but you dont have to worry if you drop it and will do about 60 cars

3. Pre cleaner, as in a pre polish or all in one? there are tons of products just depends on the route you want to go. example full correction will require compound plus cutting pads and followed by polish with polishing pads. then a sealant or a wax of your choice.

4. Sealant and wax do the same (protect the paint) wax has less durability and gives off a better look IMO and a sealant has a glossier look to it and lasts alot longer than wax. you dont need both. either one should be fine. My recommendation is if the car is garaged get a wax if not get a sealant if it sits outside and is a daily driver.

5.^

6. probably tire and trim dressing, something for your interior. Mits for your car, brushes to clean wheels and rims and maybe your soft top.
if you got any more questions just send me a PM

 

Thank you guys!
I got a dual action machine and got some pads.

psynx
-I washed the car
-Clayed
-Washed again
-Used Meguiars Swirl X by hand on some spots with visible scratches_ This helped somehow to minimize some small scuffs and scratches.
-Used the machine with Meguiars Ultimate Compound_ This I don’t know…It didn’t look any better after using it, I had some light old water spots on the roof and this product didn’t remove them. I didn’t want to keep over doing it or use a more aggressive pad since I didn’t want to damage the paint.
-Used the machine with Meguiars Deep Crystal Polish_ This product made it visible shiny.
-Used the machine with Meguiar's G12718 NXT Generation Tech Wax_ This wax is mainly protection, but I can say that after a few weeks the car still looks shiny (compared to just washing the car as I did before).

Why did I follow these steps and used these products…I don’t really know LOL. Some products I had already and after reading, watching videos and talking to some people these steps and products were recommended.

This is my first time using a dual action machine. The process was really time consuming and frustrating; removing the products off the car was a pain… I realized that maybe I was using too much product??? But how much is too much or not enough???
Also the pads keep making a mess when applying some products; it looked like dry dust product and small wet chunks. Maybe related to using too much product???

Now my paint was not awful, but my results were not impressive at all. I was not happy after spending all this time and effort; the car looks almost the same (less visible defects and the paint has more shine), but nothing remotely close to some cars that I have seen.

So I can use one product application that is a compound, cleaner, polish all in one?
The Klasse All-In-One car polish & wax; is this all of the above plus wax? But then I read that you should use a polish before and a wax after… why?