Do I need to polish or clay the car before waxing?

For best results, yes. Reviewers consistently note that paste wax sits on top of the paint and amplifies whatever surface is underneath, including swirls. A cleaner wax (such as Meguiar's or Mothers cleaner-wax pastes) builds mild abrasives into the wax for a one-step option, but for show-car results most enthusiasts recommend washing, claying, and polishing before applying a finishing paste.