buff out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To remove paint or light scratches from the surface by friction, wearing it out by polishing or blasting with sand or by employing some similar method.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Other carriers buff out their fuselages instead of painting them, reasoning that cracks can hide under layers of thick exterior paint.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To bring something to proper shape by removing or masking minor defects, by straightening out the residual shortcomings.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “buff out” mean?

To remove paint or light scratches from the surface by friction, wearing it out by polishing or blasting with sand or by employing some similar method.

Is “buff out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.