I've used - with great success - 3M's Perfect-It (the white non-abrasive stuff) and a foam pad, never over 1200RPM. Tape the character-line edges with 1/4" masking tape. I tape openings (fender/hood gaps, etc) with whatever width fills the gap & protects the edges best. I pull the tape after I'm done w/buffer and slowly - often by hand - go over the edges. Then after cleaning (wash car & clean compound off crevices) I'll use a good carnauba wax - not a "cleaner/wax".
The key is taking your time, being careful, and using the mildest products that will do the job.