Buffing: meaning, definitions and examples

This is usually used when talking about giving a surface a smooth finish by rubbing it, often with a special tool or cloth. It's often applied in contexts where smoothing or removing minor scratches is the goal.

• He worked on buffing the car until it looked brand new.
• After sanding the table, he began buffing the surface to make it smooth.

This focuses on making something shine and often involves a product to enhance the gloss. It's commonly used with items that need to look visually appealing.

• She spent the afternoon polishing the silverware for the party.
• He polished his shoes until they gleamed.

This is used to describe making a surface bright and reflective. It can also refer to the end result of cleaning and polishing.

• They are shining the floors for the big event tonight.
• The sun was shining through the polished window.

This is typically used when applying a layer of wax to a surface to protect it and give it a shiny finish. It's often mentioned in the context of cars or floors.

• He is waxing the car to protect the paint and make it shine.
• She spent hours waxing the hardwood floors.

Typically used in the context of making a surface smooth and shiny using a buffer tool. Frequently associated with car detailing or maintaining wooden furniture.

• He spent the afternoon buffing his car to get rid of the scratches

Refers to making a surface smooth and shiny, usually using a cloth or a polishing compound. It can apply to a wide range of materials, like silverware, glass, or nails.

• She was polishing the silverware until it gleamed

Often used in the context of making metal surfaces glossy and shiny, as well as in crafting, such as burnishing clay or leather. It involves more pressure than polishing.

• The artist was burnishing the surface of the sculpture to achieve a mirror-like finish

Used when talking about wearing down a material using friction, often with the help of a grinder. Common in metalworking, construction, and preparing food ingredients like spices or grains.

• The worker was grinding the metal down to prepare it for welding