Buffing and polishing are two techniques used to improve the appearance of surfaces, such as metals, plastics, and cars. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
 

Buffing is the process of using a buffing wheel, also known as a polishing wheel, to apply a buffing compound to a surface. The buffing wheel spins at a high speed, and the friction between the wheel and the compound generates heat, which helps to soften the compound and make it more effective. The buffing wheel can be made of a variety of materials, including cotton, sisal, or foam, depending on the application.
 

Polishing, on the other hand, is the process of using an abrasive material, such as a polishing paste, to remove a thin layer of material from the surface being polished. The abrasive material is applied using a polishing pad, and the pad is moved in a circular motion over the surface of the material being polished. The polishing process can be done by hand or using a machine, depending on the size of the surface being polished.
 

The main difference between buffing and polishing is that buffing is a less aggressive process than polishing. Buffing is used to clean and shine surfaces that are already in good condition, whereas polishing is used to remove scratches and other imperfections from surfaces that are damaged or dull. Buffing can be used to remove minor scratches and swirl marks from a surface, but it is not as effective as polishing for removing deeper scratches or other forms of damage.
 

Another difference between buffing and polishing is that buffing is typically done with a buffing wheel, whereas polishing can be done using a variety of tools and materials, including sandpaper, polishing compounds, and polishing pads. Buffing is generally faster and easier than polishing, and it can be done by hand or using a machine.
 

In summary, buffing and polishing are two techniques used to improve the appearance of surfaces. Buffing is a less aggressive process than polishing and is used to clean and shine surfaces that are already in good condition. Polishing is used to remove scratches and other imperfections from surfaces that are damaged or dull. Both techniques can be done by hand or using a machine, and the choice of technique will depend on the condition of the surface being worked on and the desired result.