I'll agree with Jim ^^. The application and the products go hand in hand. You can't take a cheap wax/polish and make it look good with expensive tools, and, as in many other fields, experience is the best teacher. I make sure that the vehicle is
perfectly clean from the sunroof to the wheelwells before rubbing products into the paint.
Not to steal anyone's thunder, but take a look at
www.autogeek.net. A Florida detail products company that has some really good product lines, as well as a $6.95 DVD on everything from washing to pad selection and use.