Floor polishing is similar to a buffer as it creates a smoother surfaces and creates a shine on your floor. However, polishing can add an additional protective layer for your floor.
Floor buffing creates a smooth surface on your floor, allowing it to shine. A buffing also repairs damage and imperfection in the layering protecting the floor. While typically used on wood floors, buffing can also be used on floors of other material, such as tile.
Floor waxing is a finishing technique where wax is applied to the floor in a thin layer and then buffed to shine. Floor waxing provides protection for your floor.
Floor stripping is removing all of the dirt, grime, and old finish from a floor. Floor stripping is commonly used to prepare a floor to be coated with new layers of finish, which can protect your floor from future damage.