Mastering Your New Floor Burnisher: Pro Tips, Dos, and Don’ts for Success

February 27, 2025

You’re the proud owner of a new burnisher! Owning this impressive machine is just the beginning—you’re now on the path to unlocking its full potential. Whether you’re curious about how to get started or eager to maximize its performance, this guide has got you covered.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through everything from optimal setup and operation to essential maintenance procedures. With a solid grasp of your burnisher’s ins and outs, you’ll be equipped to preserve and extend the radiant, glossy shine of your hard floors.

Before we dive in, it’s important to clarify a common misconception: floor burnishers and buffers are not the same. This article focuses exclusively on floor burnishers, ensuring you get tailored advice that’s specific to your equipment. Let’s get started on achieving flawless floor care!

What is the Difference Between Floor Burnishers and Floor Buffers?

It is imperative to understand that floor burnishers are not the same as floor buffers.

Floor burnishers are used to polish or burnish a floor and bring out its original shine. They operate at very high speeds, 1000–3000 RPM, to achieve high gloss with just a few passes, instead of several passes with a buffer.

On some burnishers, only about 50% of the pad touches the floor, but some advanced models with dust control offer better pad-to-floor contact.

Floor buffers, on the other hand, are used to buff, clean, scrub, or strip the floor by operating in a swinging motion. Buffers run at low speeds, 175-300 RPM, and rest directly on the pad, creating 100% contact between the floor and the pad. Floor buffers do not rest on the hind wheels and the wheels should only be used for transport.

BURNISHERS:	BUFFERS:
Are high speed (1000-3000 RPM)	Are low speed (175-300 RPM)
Drive straight	Operate in a side-to-side motion
Used to polish (burnish) a floor	Used to strip, clean, buff, or scrub a floor

Where To Use Your Floor Burnisher

Floor burnishers come in different types and sizes.

They come in electric or battery models and typically range from 20 to 27 inches. If you purchased a smaller burnisher, they are great for tight spaces, like restrooms, hallways, and classrooms. On the other hand, larger burnishers cover more ground quickly, making them ideal for open spaces like gymnasiums, lobbies, and terminals.

6 Considerations: Your Quick Start Guide to Your New Floor Burnisher

So, your new machine has been delivered. What’s next?

Here are six areas we will cover to help you get the most out of your new machine:

Proper Machine Assembly
Getting to Know Your Machine
Complete Floor Burnisher Training with Your Staff
Mastering the Basics of Floor Burnishing
Dos and Don’ts of Floor Buffing
Complete Regular Maintenance

1. Proper Machine Assembly

Upon receiving your new floor burnisher, your first step is to confirm its proper assembly and check for any damage.

Even pre-assembled machines require a thorough inspection of all components to ensure secure installation, proper fastening, and that all components are functioning properly. This ensures smooth and safe operation.

Here are some key steps to check to make sure your floor burnisher is assembled properly:

Start with a visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage or misalignment on your floor burnisher and any of its included accessories.
Verify all parts and needed accessories are included, correct, and installed into the machine. Reference the manual or contact an Imperial Dade equipment expert to make sure nothing is missed.
Confirm that all fasteners, bolts, screws, etc. are properly tightened.
Make sure all electrical connections are securely wired, properly grounded, and have the correct voltage connections.
Test all safety features and moving parts, including the handle, pad retainer, and adjustable height mechanism to make sure they operate smoothly.

2. Getting to Know Your Machine

Floor burnishers consist of many components, control settings, and features. Understanding how each one works is important to ensure your job is done correctly. Let’s take a look at them:

Motor

The motor powers the floor burnisher, driving the floor pad and providing rotational force.

Handle/Steering Wheel

Handles and steering wheels are the primary control mechanism, offering operational maneuverability. Keep both hands on the handle or steering wheel at all times during operation.
Base/Chassis

The base, or chassis, is the main body of the floor burnisher, supporting the motor and other components.

Floor Pads

Floor pads are the abrasive accessories that contact the floor for burnishing. They come in various colors and materials for different applications. Select the correct pad for the job!

Pad Retainer

The pad retainer is a crucial safety feature, locking the floor pad securely in place. Always double-check proper fastening before operating to prevent floor damage or injury.

Power Switch

The power switch activates the motor when flipped.

Power Cord/Battery

The power cord or battery (depending on your machine) supplies power to the motor. Always inspect the power source for wear or damage before operating to avoid injury.

Adjustable Height Mechanism

An adjustable height mechanism, another important safety feature, allows the operator to set the handle height for comfortable and safe operation.

Wheels

Wheels provide added mobility and allow the burnisher to drive straight.

3. Complete Floor Burnisher Training with Your Staff

Before using your floor burnisher for the first time, it’s a good idea to complete formal training on how to use it. Imperial Dade offers free on-site training for staff once a machine purchase is made. This will ensure your equipment is used safely, efficiently, and as intended by the manufacturer.

Proper training will eliminate equipment misuse, which heightens the risks of surface damage, injury, and incomplete cleaning.

Well-rounded training should include the following:

Equipment Operation

Proper equipment operation involves understanding the safe and effective use of the floor burnisher and its features to achieve optimal floor appearance.

This part of the training covers how to start up the floor burnisher, burnishing techniques, methods for burnishing on different floor surfaces, including which floor pads to use for each.

It also covers essential safety practices such as handle height adjustment, pad preparation and securement, and other key safety considerations.

Practice handling the burnisher on a less noticeable area if you’re using it for the first time.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

In addition to learning how to operate your floor burnisher, you’ll also want to review some preventative maintenance tips that will extend the life of your new investment.

Explored topics should include machine storage, daily maintenance tips like wiping the burnisher down and changing the vacuum bag on a dust control unit, as well as who to contact if more intensive maintenance or repair is required.

Equipment Malfunction Procedures

Because accidents and equipment malfunctions can happen, it is important to be equipped with the knowledge and have a plan in place to handle a variety of situations that may arise.

Some malfunctions (and their solutions!) to look out for and cover in your training include:

Pad retainer falling out of the machine (check the pad retainer clip)
Floor burnisher not turning on (check the power source and outlet, if applicable)
Uneven burnishing (make sure the floor pad is clean, secure, undamaged, and not worn)
Unusual noises (check for improper pad installation, loose components, or worn bearings)
Overheating (look for clogged debris caught in the motor and other parts of the machine)

Imperial Dade offers free on-site training! Find out more about the benefits of formal training: 4 Benefits of your Cleaning Team Completing CMI (Cleaning Management Institute) Training

4. Mastering the Basics of Floor Burnishing

Now that you have an idea of what your floor burnisher is and you’ve been trained on how to use it, here are some step-by-step instructions for starting and operating your machine:

Step 1: Select and Install the Right Floor Pad
Step 2: Position the Handlebar
Step 3: Turn On the Machine and Begin Burnishing

Select and Install the Right Floor Pad

Not all floor pads are the same, so always select the appropriate pad for the task and verify the pad retainer is secure. This is crucial for achieving desired results. Failure to do so can lead to equipment or floor damage, or even personal injury.

Inspect floor pads for damage or excessive wear before each use and replace them as needed.

Pads come in various colors and materials for different applications. Here are some examples of the most common floor pads you’ll come across and what they’re used for:

Pink floor pads, also known as bubblegum or eraser pads, are designed for removing scuff marks from finishes.
Aqua floor pads are a medium-grade floor pad that is good for restoring high gloss to floor finishes.
Tan hair floor pads are a medium-to-heavy floor pad and can be made from hogs hair or synthetic fibers and are good for shining worn or damaged floor finish.

Want to make sure you’re using the right floor pad? Download our FREE poster.

The key to great results starts with the proper installation of the floor pad to the machine. The floor pad must be centered on the machine to ensure even, consistent results.

Follow these st eps to install the floor pad onto your floor burnisher:

Step 1: Unplug (cord-electric) or turn off (battery-operated) the machine
Step 2: Tilt the machine back to rest on the burnisher’s back wheels
Step 3: Center the pad to the outside the pad driver
Step 4: Attach the pad retainer (be sure to screw it all the way on)

Pro Tip: The pad should always be applied to the pad driver before inserting the pad retainer. If you insert the pad retainer into the pad before applying it to the pad driver, you will have difficulty centering the pad on the pad driver or create high vibration.

Position the Handlebar

After you’ve attached the best floor pad for the application to the machine, set the handle to the correct position for proper use.

For optimal use and steady control, the handle should be lowered to comfort of the operator.

On non-dust control machines, the pads don’t rest evenly on the floor, requiring the operator to manage the machine’s weight for consistent pad-to-floor contact.

Turn on the Machine and Begin Burnishing

To start the floor burnisher, tilt the pad off the floor, release the safety button (if equipped), engage the trigger to begin pad rotation, and then move the machine forward as you lower the pad to the floor. This prevents initial start-up damage to the floor.

For optimal results, operate the burnisher in straight, overlapping passes, in either forward or reverse.

5. Dos and Don’ts of Floor Burnishing

Here is a quick reference list of best practices and things to avoid while using your new floor burnisher:

Do:	Don’t:
Dry burnish your floors. Vacuum and mop your floors thoroughly before burnishing. Use the correct floor pad for the job. Burnish at high speeds to avoid damage to the floor finish. Work in manageable sections for a consistent finish. Periodically use a floor restorer, then burnish when dry.	Burnish heavily damaged floors, as this can damage your machine. Spray buff with a burnisher. Burnish a dirty floor, or one that has any kind of debris on it. Over burnish, as this can damage the floor finish. Use the wrong floor pad.

6. Complete Regular Maintenance

Consistent maintenance and proper storage are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your floor burnisher.

While it might seem unnecessary with a new machine, preventative maintenance and appropriate storage practices save your business money on labor, repairs, and downtime.

Neglecting these aspects can lead to premature and unnecessary repairs. Maintenance and storage require attention both before and after each use. The following steps will help keep your floor burnisher in optimal condition and ready for use.

Check the pad for damage or excessive wear before each use and replace as needed.
Inspect the power cord for any damage, and if you’re using a battery-powered model, regularly check the battery’s charge and condition. Do not operate any machine with a damaged power source.
Wipe down the machine after each use to protect the machine from damage.
Remember to store them off of the machine and off of the floor to prevent unnecessary wear.
On dust control units, check the dust bag and replace as needed.
Store the burnisher in a clean, dry area to avoid moisture damage.

Need help creating a preventative maintenance schedule? Contact an Imperial Dade equipment specialist today to discuss the best practices your staff can follow to keep your equipment operating in top shape.

Quick Tips to Get You Started with Your Floor Burnisher

Now that you know what to expect with your new machine, here are a few additional quick tips to help you get started with your new floor burnisher:

Start with a clean floor—sweep or vacuum first to avoid scratching the surface.
Always use the correct pad for the job and make sure it’s securely attached. Check the pad retainer to make sure it is securely fastened.
Practice handling the burnisher on a less noticeable area if you’re using it for the first time.
Inspect the power cord for any damage, and if you’re using a battery-powered model, regularly check the battery’s charge and condition.
Store the burnisher in a clean, dry area to avoid moisture damage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still unsure what to expect with your new machine, let’s quickly recap what you need to know when you purchase a floor burnisher:

Thorough training is essential for the safe, efficient, and correct operation of your floor burnisher.

Always use the appropriate pad for the job and ensure the pad retainer is secure.

With a floor burnisher, the machine will be operated in a straight path either in forward or reverse.

Be mindful of burnishing frequency, as over-burnishing can damage the floor finish.

Preventative maintenance is crucial for keeping your floor burnisher operational and maximizing your cleaning staff’s effectiveness. While some maintenance tasks, like charging a battery and changing the dust collection bag, can be handled by your team, others, such as power cord replacement, may require a service professional.

Contact an Imperial Dade Specialist today to schedule an evaluation of your facility’s floor care needs.

Imperial Dade has service centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Caribbean that can send out a licensed technician to your facility to perform the preventive maintenance services your machines need to keep them running. Contact an Imperial Dade equipment expert today if you have further questions or need maintenance.