My father in law lent me his rotary buffer to try out. I learned, among other things, keep the buffer on the car while it's running or you will fling an applicator pad, with nice new wax, across the yard. Other than that I think it turned out pretty well.

 

What was the rotary buffer?

Yes, you're right when you say keep the pad on the paint when you turn it on!

I've always just spread the compound on the one panel. Then, i'll turn it on. It lowers the chance of slinging wax on other cars, the ground, black trim, pets.

My first experience with a buffer... well, I bought a rotary buffer - not for cars - from Lowes, went home with the awesome new power tool. Turned it on and the wrap-around wool flew into the neighbor's roof. Slinging compound all over my friend's old Civic, ground and everywhere else.

PS: Higher quality image.