some may disagree with me but as far as
results the OTC stuff will give you just as good a result as any of the expensive brands. Now bear in mind I said
results.
A Zaino or Werkstatt or Klasse car parked next to a Mother's or Meguiar's car can only be distinguished by brand if a very experienced detailer is doing the judging...MAYBE.
The OTC stuff has the pretty much the same basic ingredients as the boutique brands. Just read the label. The difference is that OTC stuff sold to newbies is toned down a few notches to make it idiot proof. No problem there it just means you have to do a little more washing, claying and compounding/swirl removing(if necessary) to get a boutique grade good result.
Go to autozone or Peboys and buy a jar of the Gliptone or Blue Magic Clay bar.
Use the suds from the car wash soap as lubrication. Wash the car again to clear off the paint. 3M Rubbing compound(for light colored cars) with a foam applicator is a good follow up.
I'd get a creeper stool for this part because its the time intensive part. You're bascially doing paint correction at this point so don't rub hard or rush it. Once it hazes over use a Quick Detailing spray like the Mothers or Meguiars stuff to remove the compound. Take an aspirin.
Follow the compounding with a paint cleaner (polish). The Meguiar's stuff is excellent as is the Mother's Reflections line. Again use the foam applicator. Spray the surface with the quick detailer. Apply the polish, let it haze and respray. Using speed not pressure remove the polish. Take another aspirin. This removes the rubbing compound that might have been left behind and you now have clean paint.
If you live near a NAPA store I would suggest trying the Duragloss wax and/or Aqua Wax Spray.
Excellent no-frills brand for your wax topper.
spend your money on towels. Those are expensive, I try not to spend more than $4 per towel.
ChemicalGuys.com have some excellent towels at 2 and 3 bucks a towel.