Rubbing compounds should never be used by machine. A rubbing compound is nothing more than sandpaper in a liquid form. If your paint needs compounding, do it by hand. Next up from rubbing compounds are cleaners. Both of these products will quickly remove the top layer of dead paint, revealing paint that can be rejuvenated.
Polishes are the paint finish workhorse.
Unlike rubbing compounds and cleaners, polish has very little cutting action. A good machine polish will remove small blemishes and restore gloss. A quality polish contains oils to lubricate and hydrate the paint finish. This is where you really get a high gloss finish. Preventing Buffer Burns Buffing or burning through your car s paint is perhaps the greatest danger in using a buffer.