claying is the process that cleans all of the surface contaminants from the paint. the steps go like this: remove wax by washing with dishsoap, so you have no paint protection. next, use a small chunk of the bar and clay small areas of the car a little bit at a time. remember that you have NO protection on ur paint, so do this indoors in relative coolness. after claying, the surface of the paint will feel much much smoother, and your clay bar will get progressively dirty as you move along the car. throw the small chunks of clay away after they are darkened. after claying the paint, now polish any scratches out that you want to, then move on to wax.