Orbital or random orbit buffers won't do the kind of polishing I'm talking about. Those are mostly for applying and removing wax and the cutting action is not aggressive enough.
As a paint finish ages, it collects very small scratchs. No matter how careful you are, every time you touch your paint, you scratch it. Waxes help fill the scratches, but at some point even wax can't cover it adequately.
Rotary buffing essentially cuts the paint down to a new surface, obliterating the big scratches in the process. It is the same process that is used to bring up the gloss on a color sanded finish. We are only talking microns here so it is not too dangerous to to this on big panels. The danger comes from the wheel riding on body creases and door edges where the pressure is much greater and the chance of cut through is great. Most body guys will tape off these areas and do those by hand.
It is an acquired skill, almost like painting. You have to be in tune with how the wheel feels and what the buff patterns look like. Try it on your wifes car first <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
