1 B2 neutral
To smooth or reduce a surface using a buffing pad or abrasive material.
"You'll need to buff down the clear coat before applying the final layer."
separable
buff down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To smooth or reduce a surface by buffing it with an abrasive or polishing tool.
In plain English
To rub a surface to make it smoother, usually with a cloth or polishing tool.
What does "buff down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rub (buff) in a downward or reducing direction to smooth something.
Actually means
To rub a surface to make it smoother, usually with a cloth or polishing tool.
Usage tip
Used in car bodywork, woodworking, and metalworking. Refers to reducing an uneven surface to a smoother state before further finishing. Less common than 'buff out' or 'buff up.'
Words that pair with "buff down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
surface paintwork metal wood scratch finish
How to conjugate "buff down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
buff down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buffs down
he/she/it
Past simple
buffed down
yesterday
Past participle
buffed down
have + pp
-ing form
buffing down
continuous
Hear "buff down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "buff down"
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Keep exploring
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