Amaco RUB 'N Buff - European Gold, VWARNB08

Product Information

This is a designer’s secret for an easy DIY to update the look of almost any solid surface without breaking the bank. If you like the more textured look with some of the black base coming through, one coat is probably enough.

AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish - Rub n Buff European

If you enjoyed this tutorial and you’re looking for more farmhouse inspiration, you can join me over on Pinterest where I have an entire board dedicated to Farmhouse Lighting, and another dedicated to Farmhouse Paints! If you don’t have any handy, I love this inexpensive brush set and use it for makeup, but the stiffer large brushes will work for this project. Rub n Buff also comes with other colors (like turquoise, black and red), but those don’t come as highly recommended as the metallics. Because Rub n Buff goes on in such a thin layer, it isn’t like paint that will show a difference in thickness between the original and the repair. But THAT doesn’t sound like a simple DIY project, so I’m really glad that I found another, much easier way to accomplish the same look.The application of Rub ‘n Buff is unlike anything I’ve used before (different than paint, wax, or gel) and requires a certain technique to get the aged look just right. Makeup brush — Obviously you won’t be using it on your face again, so don’t use your favorite brush! Or if you are actually going after something more like a mid-century satiny gold, you could potentially skip this black base coat step and simply use the Rub n Buff alone!

Rub n Buff - 15ml — Fred Aldous Rub n Buff - 15ml — Fred Aldous

As a user, what truly makes Rub n Buff unique if you want to create a metallic look, is the nuance and depth of the finish. I think this would work especially well on things like dresser/cabinet hardware, picture frames, or other smaller detailed projects like adding a contrast strip around the edge of a nightstand. Do you think it work just as well on something that came in a matte black finish, rather than something spray painted black? I dabbed a small amount of Rub ‘n Buff onto a paper plate, grabbed my makeup brush and used the stiffer end to blend thoroughly. Since I wanted the look of antique brass, I first purchased Antique Brass Rub n Buff (makes sense, right?Black spray paint ( my favorite is this Oil Rubbed Bronze by in the 2x formula by Rust-oleum, because it contains paint and primer in one! You can experiment with the patina effect and go for more contrast by letting the base coat show through, or a subtler look by adding more layers of gold (including multiple colors, if you choose). I want to make a mirror that is kind of just a grey/tan plastic wood grain finish look much more silvery (think tiara) and was wondering what would be the best product to use?

European Gold Rub n Buff Get the Look of Antique Brass with European Gold Rub n Buff

Prep includes scuffing up the surface with fine steel wool or a sanding block, then using a good oil based spray primer. I used cardboard for my outdoor space for spray painting, and a simple drop cloth for my indoor space while doing the Rub n Buff finish. This step is only required if you want an aged/patina effect, but paint gives the Rub n Buff better adhesion and is a good idea for a slick surface. Sometimes you find that near perfect piece – except it’s not in quite the metallic finish that you’d prefer.This step doesn’t have to be perfect, but you do want the majority of the item to be covered well in the darker base color.

Rub n Buff Gold Comparison and How-to - Jenna Sue Design

Step Number Four | Using your old makeup brush, tap and dab a small squirt of the Rub n Buff onto your item(s). And of course, you’ll need the object you’ll be transforming along with a paper plate, paper towel or any clean surface to blend the Rub ‘n Buff. I knew that antiquing it to a antique brass or “brushed brass” feel would give it a more timeless look – perfect for my home! It took a few failed tries and some experimentation, but I finally figured out the best way to get consistent, beautiful results.I knew Rub ‘n Buff was the answer, and I was finally able to carve out some time last weekend to make it happen.