Today I went out and bought a clay bar and some polish.. the question is do i need a wax to?ive never used clay bar before and i remember reading get a polish but i dont remember about a wax... thanks Nick

1) Wash
2) Clay bar - this removes deposits and impurities that washing cannot.
3a) Paint Fixing - not usually needed, but various compounds to remove most cuts in the paint
3) Polish - To remove fine scratches you cannot feel but can see, "spider webs" etc
4) Glazing - To fill in scratches you cannot polish out I've never really done this.
5) Sealant or Wax, Or Sealant + wax ontop of it.

If you clay bar and polish your car you'll have cleaned up the scratches and junk out of your paint. Then it'* time to to wax to help protect it

make sure to keep your clay bar lubed with some sort of detailer spray.. if you drop your claybar, THROW IT AWAY

thanks for the tips guys. need to head to the store for some wax now...

One tip, cut the claybar into thirds. That way if you drop it, you still have some left. And unless the car has a ton of crap in the paint, you should only need a third of it anyway. Spray the lube on a section about 2'x2' lightly rub the clay across. Flip it when you go to the next section. Then kneed it so you get a clean spot, and move on to the next section. As mentioned, don't be stingy on the lube, and don't rub too hard or you will marr the paint finish. The clay should glide across the paint, and you will feel it "catch" any junk.