So funny it’s called Rub ‘n Buff, because I do the “rub” part but tend to forget the “buff” part. HA! They should have named it “Rub ‘n Walk Away.” Because that’s exactly what I do. And I ain’t afraid to admit it.
Regardless of whether I use it properly, it’s one of my most favorite tools in my DIY toolbox.
This stuff is amazing, and I’m going to show you why. And you can buy Rub ‘n Buff (aff link) for only costs a few dollars!
What is Rub ‘n Buff?
Rub ‘n Buff is a waxy finish made from imported carnauba waxes, fine metallic powders and pigments. I tend to use Grecian Gold and Antique Gold over and over, but it comes in 12 colors total (you can buy a sampler of all the colors from Amazon). The smaller single tubes are about $6.00 and you can buy it on Amazon or pick it up from AC Moore or Michael’s.
- Gold Leaf
- Antique Gold
- Grecian Gold
- Autumn Gold
- European Gold
- Antique White
- Ebony
- Pewter
- Silver Leaf
- Spanish Copper
- Patina
- Ruby
How to Use Rub ‘n Buff
To apply it, just take a small amount and rub it on with your finger (it stains, so watch out!!) or a lint-free cloth, then rub it over the things you want to “paint.” Then buff to shine. I just get dirty with it and use my finger! DIY wouldn’t be DIY if I kept a totally clean hand, now would it?? 😉
Ways to Use Rub ‘n Buff
1. Save Tarnished Old Knobs
Have you seen the price of knobs and pulls lately?? Okay, yeah… you can score some good ones on coupon days at the craft store, but if you need 6 – 8 or something, that adds up, yo.
Plus, I just like to save old hardware because there’s something so pretty about using the same hardware. It’s like it’s just made for that piece, right? Here’s the hardware I saved from a desk I gave my mom for Mother’s Day, and it looked great!
I was able to reuse the pulls from this old vintage dresser just by using Rub n’ Buff!
2. Line Furniture in Gold
I don’t just love to paint old furniture. I love to find the details and them highlight them in creative ways.
I had found this old vintage Singer sewing machine and used Rub ‘n Buff along the edge to bring out the detail of the piece, to match the goal in the sewing machine. I did the same thing to this green and gold desk I did a few years ago. (Don’t laugh at how amateurish that post looks! LOL).
3. Freshen Up Old Metal Buckets
I loved the way this thrifted metal bucket turned out! I needed a great 40th birthday gift for my friend and decided to make a DIY craft pack for her with my favorite crafting supplies. I loved how pretty the inside turned out! I also used it on the bottom.
4. Gold-dip Your Legs
This is one project I haven’t tried yet, but with Rub ‘n Buff, it’s easy. But use painter’s tape around the legs of a chair or table, then wipe on Rub ‘n Buff below the tape, then buff, and peel off the tape. Super easy!
5. Update ANYTHING!
So here are some fun posts I found of things that people have used Rub ‘n Buff for. OMG, I’m loving the toy gun! LOL
Have you ever used Rub ‘n Buff? What is your favorite use for it? Leave a comment below and share your DIY skillz!
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Shey says
A question because I want to try this but…Can this be used on a pre-painted clay pot that is going to be exposed to the elements?
Holly Schmitz says
I spray painted a chandelier with hammered copper paint. I’d like to have some black highlighted areas and wonder if Rub n Buff would be good for this.
Pam says
It would be great. Have used this stuff since 70s and it is great to fix up old frames, furniture, jewelry, etc. She is using it much heavier than i do – it is a great highlighter, a super shabby chic or where you want the color underneath or wood grain to come through. Great on leather anything but you should buff it well if you want it to not wipe off on something. It doesn’t get shiny really like plastic – but is more a sheen. i will have to check my tubes, I don’t remember it being made of wax because I have spray painted over it and then highlighted another color. You can’t paint over wax which is why I don’t wax ie asliane wax furniture. Anyway – this is a product that has been around for years and stands the test of time.
Serena Appiah says
Thanks for the tips, Pam!! 🙂
Pam says
Note it does have wax but I guess when I have sandpapered to make look shabby – it was enough to allow varnish to stick. Many times I didn’t need to use any paint or varnish because I used the rub’nbuff as a last step too.
MARIANNE says
I’m applying Rub n Buff to the high surfaces on a lamp that has been painted with chalk paint. Do I need to put a finishing wax under the rub n buff or do I put finishing wax on top of it?
Advice please, anyone. Thank you.
sherry says
Is Rub n’ Buff a water or oil based product? I would like to add a touch of gold paint to my oil painting, and can only use oil based products.
J Harris says
The Rub n Buff package says it is for porous surfaces. How do you get it to stick on metal? When I tried it, the was just rubbed off and never adhered. Thanks!
Serena Appiah says
Hey there! When you’re wiping it on, try not to use a heavy hand. Very light rubs across the surface with your finger helps. You can wear gloves so you don’t get it stained all over your finger. Hope that helps!
J Harris says
Thank you. I’ll try that!
Pina Baglioni says
out works great on mine..i put a very small amount pin my finger…. went around the edge and the middle of the table… out came from pier one out for rusty…I used this shined out lightly…. and varathane … out came out great. out won’t rust again…
Pina
Taylor Demirjian says
Hi Serena, I also have an old Singer sowing machine that I want to make pretty again. Which color of the rub n’ buff did you use on your sowing machine?
Thanks!
MonW says
I’ve used it to touch up/change the metal on a few lamps.
I also used it on screws and hinges for a storage cabinet.
Serena Appiah says
Oh yeah, MonW! Lamps are a great idea. And for screws and hinges, too! I’m usually sloppy about screws and hinges and will paint right over them! GASP! lol