Last weekend, I used a rotary buffer on a 4th Generation ('95 - '99) Maxima and wanted to share some things when using a rotary on a 4th Gen or 5th/5.5 Gen Maxima.
4th Gen
a) Tape off the trim above the doors and the weatherstripping
b) Tape off the "Maxima" and the GLE/SE Tags on the trunk
c) Tape off the edge of the
headlights, cornering lamps and grille
d) Tape off the weatherstripping around the sunroof (if equipped), windshield, and the rear window.
e) Tape off the edges around the taillights.
This Generation of the Maxima has flat surfaces which means running a rotary will be pretty easy. However, you don't need to run it fast since Nissan's paint is somewhat fragile.
5th/5.5 Gen
This version has the same taping points as the 4th Gen but it has more curves and tighter spaces that you will have to do by hand. If you are going to use a rotary on the 5th Gen, you just run the rotary on the flat surfaces (hood, top, doors, trunk, bumper, spoiler) but the lower valence and underneath the spoiler can be done by hand because that's a very tight space.