Denibbing is the targeted removal of dust inclusions, nibs, and small contamination in fresh or cured paint. Dust particles that land in paint during spraying or drying pull up as tiny bumps. Removing them correctly without damaging the surrounding paint requires specific fine abrasive and finishing materials.

After denibbing, the paint is flat but dull at the worked spot. Finishing and polishing steps are always needed to restore gloss. The finer and more precise your denibbing, the less polishing work you'll have afterwards.