While I feel SeaDweller is mainly right, I am one who from my personal experience, believes that not all wax or polymer final finishes are the same. The polish surface prep is the most important part and counts (in my subjective opinion) for about 90% of the final result.

However, if you stop there you and just put on a Carnuba, I think you are losing out on the last elusive 10%. I tried this over the last few weeks and after a prep completed with 3M Hand Glaze the Zaino Z5, Z6 and Z2 was noticeably better in the final result than Carnuba wax.

I don't work for them I just love the products. But if you find something better let me know and I'd love to try it.

First of all, thanks to all who provided suggestions. I've finally decided on my course of action. I'm going to go a bit more upscale than the Meguiars 3-step process, but actually cut down the number of steps. Given what I want to do: remove the old wax, polish the car and prepare for decals, and finish with a protective wax, I've decided to apply:

1) Meguiars #7 show car glaze/polish

2) Carrera side script decals

3) Meguiars #26 yellow carnuba wax

We'll see how it turns out...

Sounds like a great plan if your paint is in good shape. If not you could start with Meguiars Medallion Paint Cleaner.

aways... #7 is a little hard to use. Seems to be sensitive to high humidity and cool temps... but I wouldn't let that stop me from using it. In my opinion #27 is the best readily available" paste" wax.