Can't say for certain that friction makes no difference, but I do know that when Carnuaba Hot Wax was first introduced to the industry is was only sprayed on. Then when it fell out of favor, spray on wax became "Sealer Wax." Actually it was not wax at all and Mr Hobus sued one of the major chemical companies for calling their product "wax" when it, in fact, did not contain wax, and won.
Then in 1974, Dan Hanna of Hanna Industries introduced one of the most revolutionary money-making concepts to the industry which we deemed, POLISH 'n WAX. The application system was a top brush and set of rocker panels.
The
marketing concept concept was first a "foam polish" that was brushed into the finish first and then after the brushing a "sealer wax" to protect the finish. The foam polish was a cleaner or surface preparation for the sealer wax.
Between you and I the brushing was not really needed to provide the effect that was implied, but it was a great way to convince the motorist of the difference between the polish and wax. In the detail business we always talk about "polishing and waxing" the vehicle paint, so it was a natural extension of what the motorist understood.
Later when companies copied the Hanna POLISH 'n WAX Machine Hanna beat the competition by utilizing the existing top brush in the wash and rocker panels in the wash package. Hanna in the 70's always put the top brush at the end of the wash package where everyone else put it at the front of the wash package.
Why not put the polish on at the front of the wash package and the wax or sealant at the end. Works the same way.
Bud Abraham