I have a 2005 Colorado that has sat out for over half of its life with no attention other than maybe a wash every 2 years or so. The last 3 years it's been on a dusty farm, often parked near pine trees where it has picked up lots of sap. It was time to clean it up.
I have some experience using a meticulous process applying Zaino products to a "show" car. I wanted something to clean up the Colorado and protect the paint while looking good, but not put the work into it that Zaino would require. Cost wasn't much of a consideration as I've yet to find auto finish products that cost a significant amount when compared to the value of the time involved in the preparation and application process.
Washed the truck using Dawn (one time, effectively strips old wax), then clayed it. Almost any car wash or clay lube will do, just be liberal in the application. Rinsed using R.O. water, then removed the pine sap using alcohol diluted to 40%. Polished out some major clearcoat scratches with Meguires Scratch X 2, following up with Mirror Glaze M105 polishing compound on that area, then a lighter compound (M205). The contaminant and sun damaged hood and top were next with M205.
After all that prep work, I decided on a reportedly decent series to try it out. I used Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer followed by Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0. It looks so good I decided the sealant is the top coat and the wax isn't needed.
The key is the prep work. You don't want to be grinding dirt, grit, and other contaminants further into the paint. The polish/sealant/wax process is pretty minor in comparison.
I believe the difference in products manifests itself in how long they last. Pick a matched line (car wash, polish enhancer, sealant, wax) that gets good reviews and go with it.
