When detailing, do you have to lead with a polish or can you just was after the wash? Does it matter?

 

You dont any type of polish...unless its for your rims. Wash the car and then hand wax it. If you hand wax if fore you wash it all your going to do is rub all that dirt around with the wax and cut the hell outa the clear. What I do after most washes is park it in the shade and hand wax it. Keeps the water beeding and leaves a nice finish that dirt has a hard time sticking to.

 

I think your answer is correct, but I think the question is worded in a confusing manner. What I think what poster means is, do you use a polish first then a wax , or the reverse of that??? but I could be wrong as the syntax in the post is not the best...........

 

Polishes, be it abrasive or chemical in nature, will remove any previously applied protectant. If the surface is in need of rejuvination, i.e., shine depth, clarity, and type of overall "richness", then yes, you should polish before waxing.
If you feel the surface looks great, then go ahead and wax. Carnaubas will generally lend about 6 weeks of protection, on average. Polymers, 2-3 times that.
There are all in one type of cleaner/waxes that may fit your bill. I tend to go with 3-4 step processes, including claying.

 

Sorry about the confusion. Yes, I mean is a polish required before the wax, or is the polish not even necessary. Good points, thanks exceldetail.