Wait for the finish to 'cure'. I usually wait a week with the Doctor's finish that I also use, then buff away.

I almost always buff, using sequentially softer wheels (ala the Beall system) from tripoli,through white diamond (or a green rouge I use for dark colored woods), to carnauba. I final coat the wood with microcrystalline wax (Ren wax) for fingerprint resistance.

Remember to use different buffs for each compound, and keep them in separate bags/boxes.

Even with very smoothly finished items, I find that a quick once over with the tripoli levels the surface even more for a very pleasing finish. It works wonders for brushed or hand rubbed finishes that are more uneven than friction-type polishes.