Get yourself on detailingworld.co.uk at look at the studio posts to get an idea on what products are used.
Good start is snowfoam (pre wash that loosens and removes grime ready for washing as this aids minimising contact with paintwork so less chance of marring and scratching the paint)
2 buckets (one with water in the other your shampoo + water solution.
Soft wash mitt
And a soft drying towel also... not a chamois or water blade!
As regarding a clay bar it doesnt add protection but removes organic contamination as well as tar (however tar remover should be used first). If you feel your paint work it will most probably be rough... after claying it will be smooth like glass
Then you need to polish the car (by hand or machine) best and quickest option is Autoglym SRP applied via a german applicator (can give you links if you wish). Work well into the paintwork with light pressure.
After this stage LSP is needed to protect your paint so a sealant or wax. This stage totally depends on budget and your needs but a great all rounder is FK1000p... this can be used to wax and protect your alloys also. I get around 5 months plus on the paintwork and 3+ on the alloys... also have used this on the exhaust too.
It is also worth buying good quality microfibres to buff the products off too.
There is so much detail to go into and explain so it is definately worth getting yourself onto detailingworld.... very very good forum
