For my friends of Elisetalk, please feel free to read my theories and thoughts on detailing here, where I posted a thread on how to detail my own (current) car:
http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...ad.php?t=12891
Inside the link, you will find tips on washing, polishing, and product recommendations/suggestions
Polish removes clearcoat as it is a substance with abrasives in it. Proper polishing will remove just enough clearcoat to permanently remove scratches and swirls.