Mixing up nail files and buffers? Buffers are different than a nail file because they are used over the tops of the nails to promote shine and a polished natural product. They literally buff your nails like you would buff a car to make it look shiny. While nail files are made of Keratin buffers are made from sponge. So in a sense buffers are much more delicate and a much softer product than a nail file. If you’re not familiar with buffers or their number rankings, you should always start off with the lowest number of buffer first and then work your way up. This would be the opposite for a nail file. So you see, they really are two completely different products. Don’t be confused.