Accumulator said:By "prep" I meant a lot more than washing. though that is the first step.
I myself would do a decontamination with ValuGard's "ABC" system (some people would just clay instead, but I consider the two processes different things for different situations), then some sort of polishing with something like HD Polish or with an All-In-One product. *THEN* apply the Last Step Product. Gotta decontaminate/clean the paint before applying the LSP, and the polishing is what really makes a car look good.
My plan was to wash, polish, wax, then wash and wax again per your suggestion. I have clay barred before, but I was recently told that is abrasive and shouldn't be done unless necessary.