How to Buff Wood Flooring After the Final Coat

Allow the last coat of wax to dry completely before buffing your wood floor.

Clean the work area with a vacuum without a beater-brush. Even a small piece of grit or dirt can be trapped under the buffer and scratch the floor.

Attach a white pad or standard buffing bonnet to the pad holder of the buffer. Plug in the machine.

Release the handle lock on the buffer. Adjust the handle until it reaches your waist or just below it. Lock it in place.

Position the buffer in the middle of the floor. This will allow maneuvering room until you get the "feel" of the machine.

Place the handle on your waist and gently lean against it. This will assist in keeping the buffer in balance and provide more control of the machine.

Place both hands on the handle. Never release the handle while the buffer is operating.

Prepare yourself for a sudden jerk and squeeze the trigger. If your machine has a safety button you will need to push that as well. If the sudden movement startles you, do not panic. Release the trigger to stop the machine.

Rest the handle on your waist and use your body as a counterweight to the machine. Restart the machine and working with the grain of the wood gently guide the machine in a right to left motion as you advance forward.

Stop periodically to check the buffing pad. Replace as needed if it is soiled. Continue until the floor is complete.

Use a soft cotton or wool cloth to hand buff any areas near the walls the buffer did not reach.