RE: To wax or not
Of course polishing and buffing to get a high gloss is NOT the same as waxing. Wet sand from 400 to 1000 or 1500 grit, then apply some "auto body shop safe" polishing compound on a buffing wheel. buff the bull all over, and buff until the compound drys to a haze. Use the buffing wheel to remove the haze to get the best gloss. The "Auto body shop safe" is the important part, as there are NO waxes or silicones! OReilly's auto parts carries several different grit polishes.
The better the paint, the easier it is to get a great finish. Spray can paints will always be a bit soft, while two part urethanes or epoxy's are best.