buff out

verb2

1. •
   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.

   • Other carriers buff out their fuselages instead of painting them, reasoning that cracks can hide under layers of thick exterior paint. — 1992
2. •
   (figurative) To bring something to proper shape by removing or masking minor defects, by straightening out the residual shortcomings.

   • Nevertheless, if a man has the salesman's qualifications, a little scientific study of salesmanship will sandpaper him, buff out his inequalities and make him a better man. — 1914