In creating all these detailing how-tos and such, I blended "Sealant" into the end of Polish when it should have been a separate step in the process! So I am starting a new fresh thread to correct this mistake. Shame on me. 
Seems to be a lot of questions, so here we go...
=Where swirls and scratches come from=
Where do most swirls and scratches come from? They come from you! Improper washing, drying, polishing and buffing techniques are the #1 source of swirls and scratches.
=Steps=
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner
4. Polish
5. LSP (Last Stage Protectant) (or "Topper")
*Maintenance w/ a QD (Quick Detailer)
The vital key for optimal results is prep. You can use teh finest products, but using them incorrectly or poorly will give you poor results. Before you get the the final stage of topping the car off, you need to be as thorough as possible with each step. You do this ONE time and maintain it with a quality QD (quick detailer) you wont need to be this thorough ever again.
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1. Washing & drying
Here is a rundown of what you should be using and how to use them:
- soap / "shampoo"
Not every soap is the same. Some soaps are very mild and others are very harsh. The harder soaps will strip wax off your car. A good soap will not strip wax off your car and provide a good lubrication so that you are not scratching your paint while you wash it.
- 2 buckets
One for soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing. Called "2 bucket wash". After you wash a small section of the car, you dunk it in the "clean" water and rinse it thoroughly. This keeps your soap bucket cleaner. Always wash as much of the top of the car and work your way down. As you get lower, you should be rinsing your mitt more often.
- washmitt
Wool or microfiber are optimal. Both of these products have depth to them to allow dirt and other materials to lie deep in the fibers. Sponges and other products pin the debris and every time you move your sponge it creates scratches.
- rinsing
Do not use a nozzled hose full blast on your car. Optimally, you should be using no nozzle at all. Without a nozzle, you can run the water over the surface of the car - called "sheeting". This is the most effective way of rinsing your car.
- drying
1. Waffle weave towels are the best
2. 100% cotton towels
California Water Blade is excellent as long as you keep wiping the blade clean with a wet rag.
Throw your chamois away - it only creates more fine scratches.
Be sure to remove any tags that hang from any towels. The tags can and will causes fine scratches.
