How to Use a Buffing Machine

Floor buffing machines (or burnishers as they are known by commercial users) are tremendous time saving devices. Used to clean, polish, wax and shine floors, they do a superb job of applying the final visible finish to almost any flooring surface provided the right fluid (wax, polish, cleaner, etc) is applied beforehand. Heavy by design, they apply downward force to the spinning buffer head, which creates enough spinning friction and downward compression to put a high gloss to the surface. Learning how to use one is easy and will allow you to finish your floors at will with minimal effort and time.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning product (polish, wax or buffing machine cleaner)
• Buffer pads (model specific)

Instructions

1. Unplug the buffing machine. Liftthe base of the machine and check to be sure the scrubbing brush or the polishing pad is in good condition and clean, free of excessive dirt or debris that will score the floor's finish. If necessary, replace the pad with a new one.

2. Plug the buffer into a 120-volt 3 pronged grounded electrical outlet. Spread the polish or whatever type of cleaning/polishing compound you desire to use across the floor evenly, but sparingly. Too much fluid will not only create a mess but be counter productive to the task. Turn on the buffer by depressing the start switch (usually on the handlebars) with one hand while maintaining a firm grip on the handlebars with the other.

3. Plan your buffing move in advance; since buffers spin in a clockwise direction, begin on the left side of a room or hallway and allow yourself ample room to swing the buffer in a gradual arc in a clockwise direction. Slow and steady is the goal with regard to machine motion.

4. Continue buffing and keep the buffer moving steadily as you swing it in wide arc from left to right using the handlebars as a general guide. Always keep the buffer moving and do not allow it to remain in one spot while the buffing pads are rotating. If you must stop, shut off the unit by depressing the "off" switch.

5. Check the buffing pad at periodic intervals to ensure that it does not become excessively dirty or "caked" with excessive polishing compound. "Caking" occurs when so much polish (or other material being used) forms a barrier between the pad and the surface being buffed. The result is that streaking or burning of the cleaning product since the buffing pad does not contact the floor in that particular spot.

6. Remove the buffing pad at regular intervals and either clean it or replace it if caking occurs. Cleaning product manufacturers always recommend that you start buffing with the least abrasive cleaning compound required to get the job done. More abrasive cleaners and.or polishers can always be used if less abrasive cleaners are not effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Two types of buffing pads are available: cutting pads and polishing pads. Cutting pads are abrasive by design, so they can "cut" and remove old floor polish. If not used properly they can damage the floor. Polishing pads are much more gentle and are used to produce a "polished" floor finish.

References

• Mrs Clean USA: Floor Buffer Machines & Burnishers