What’s the Difference Between Buffing and Burnishing

Shiny floors require more than a mop and broom! The shine or gloss on a floor is an optical illusion produced by light reflecting off the solids in the floor finish. Buffing and burnishing are two methods used to restore and maintain the shine on a variety of flooring types. Each technique generates different results and requires a different appliance. 

Buffing is a long-used technique that requires a rotary floor machine, a spray buff liquid and a floor pad. Motorized brushes spin at adjustable speeds to polish and clean. This operation removes a buildup of debris, gunk, and scratches that dull the floor over time. Buffing adds polymer/solids to the floor to raise the valleys and shorten the peaks. Before the machine is utilized, the floor is given a thorough cleaning. Buffing may be performed at high or low speeds. Standard buffer machines run at 175 RPM while high-speed buffers operate from 1,250 to 1,500 RPM. Buffing is a long process but gives you immediate results, raising the gloss of your floor. 

Burnishing, introduced in the late 1960s, is the process of polishing floors at a high speed to generate optimal shine; a gloss so deep it looks wet. Burnishers are similar to buffers but are much heavier, providing extra pressure that helps generate the shine. Essentially the burnishing machine sands the peaks down by using pads and ultra-high speeds (from 1,500 to 2,500 RPM). Burnishing is a much faster procedure than buffing. Finishing a 10,000 square foot floor with a buffer requires 25 hours of labour while burnishing the same area would take approximately 4 ½ hours. However, care must be taken to apply sufficient coats of finish as burnishing a floor can wear it down. Burnishing costs less than buffering and uses little or no chemical cleaners. 

Both buffing and burnishing reduce chips and pits, require specialized machines and result in a shiny floor. If you’re not sure which procedure is right for your floors, talk to a certified commercial cleaning company. They have the knowledge, skill and experience to help keep your floors shining!

Need a new shine on your floors? Looking for a company that can buff and/or burnish your flooring? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com.  Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial and office cleaning services. Contact us today!