Welcome to CS Adam.
First up the process is easily divided up into stages.
On Silver I would:
Wash - self explanitary really!
Clay - Removes stuck on grime washing alone wont.
Polish/Swirl Remove - Removes any mild paint defects and creates a good gloss to the paintwork - scratches etc. Best done in two stages. If working by hand, attack any visable defects with something like Meguiars Scratch X, and then polish the car all over with a milder gloss enhancing finishing polish such as Autoglym Super Resin.
Sealant Protects the paintwork and seals in the shine. Sealants are man made blends of waxes etc designed to do the above. Formulated to last longer than natural waxes, selants do however lack the looks of a real wax. A couple to three layers of Autoglym Extra Gloss should give 2-3 months protection and look great.
Wax - an additional step, in the cases of most waxes will just add a deeper warmer look to the sealant - I like Optimum Car Wax or P21s Carnuba Wax on Silver. Over a decent sealant wont add any more protection really.
Extras - Then the little bits that make all the differnce to a really cared for car, cleaned glass, dressed and cleaned trim and tyres, wheel paintwork also polished and sealed etc.