I got my car late December and now its June. Its roughly 6 monthes and there are some marks on the car like the leftovers of an egging some punks did and some fine scratches. I havent waxed or polished the car; I just wash it every week. Time has had its effects on the car and its time to do something. Any ideas on where to get started and the best items for each part of the cleaning?

 

It's kinda hard to assess the condition of the paint without pictures. But to get you started, I would suggest reading a few of the threads regarding upkeep and maintenance as well as what other folks are using for products. Here's a recent thread byWest6MT. This is another good one about wax recommendations. And this one about products AZ members use.

First off, you will need to:
1. Wash - remove the layer of dust and crud from the vehicle's surface.
2. Clay - to remove any embedded particles like brake dust and industrial fallout, gives a smooth and clean finish.
3. Polish - remove any surface defects (swirls, minor scratches,& oxidation), adds gloss and reflectivity to the paint.
4. Seal - to protect the finish.

 

what about wax, or is that polish. im sorry, ima nooblet.

 

Usually wax refers to a Carnauba product, whereas "seal" refers to a Polymer or other synthetic product. Synthetics normally outlive Nubas about 2-3/1.

 

so where in Hawhyen51's procedure do i put in wax?

 

You "wax" after you polish.

 

Oops, sorry for not clarifying. As pttl said, after polishing. Exceldetail also stated the difference between a wax and a sealant. A vast majority of AZers use a sealant (polymer - EX-P, UPP, OCW [a polymer w/'nuba], SG) over the polish and then as an option, many top it off with a 'nuba (Nattys, P21S, S100). So it should be:
4. Seal - protects the finish by using a synthetic (polymer) or a natural wax (carnuba).