The Easiest Trick For Getting All Of The Metals In Your Home To Match

While many interior designers feel it's perfectly acceptable to mix metals in your home decor, there may be instances where you want a more cohesive look. Maybe your door knobs have mismatched finishes and you'd prefer for them to have a uniform style. Perhaps the bronze mirror over your bathroom vanity clashes with your brass faucet color. It could be that your gold light fixture stands out too much beside your silver cabinet hardware. In any of these cases, there's a simple trick you can use to change the metal finishes so that they all match. The magic ingredient is Rub 'n Buff. 

Loved by DIYers and designers alike, Rub 'n Buff is a metallic gilding wax that can be applied to a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, ceramic, and even previously painted surfaces. It's super easy to use, and it can instantly transform dull or boring surfaces into metallic masterpieces. Available on Amazon (starting at $8.76) and most arts and crafts stores, you can choose from many different metal finishes ranging from gold and silver to copper and pewter. One of its biggest advantages compared to spray paint is that it can be used in place, meaning you don't have to remove an item like a light fixture or a door knob to apply it. Ready to give it a try? We're covering how to properly apply it and what types of DIY projects you can use it on when decorating with metallics in your home.

As the name implies, the process of applying Rub 'n Buff is basically two steps — first you rub it on; then you buff it out. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when working with it. First, make sure that the surface you're applying it to is clean and dry. Second, Rub 'n Buff comes in a tiny tube for a reason. The tiniest amount will go a long way. Use either a soft cloth or a gloved fingertip to apply it in tiny circular motions. Because it's a waxy substance, you can build up the coverage and texture to create an antiqued vibe that will fit in with your vintage decor, or you can keep the coverage minimal for a smoother, more modern finish. It dries within minutes, after which you can buff it out. The more you buff it, the shinier it gets.

So what items can you use Rub 'n Buff on? A lot, actually. You could use it to transform mirrors, picture frames, candle holders, closet rods, or house numbers. Did you just find an old lamp or vase at the thrift store? Use Rub 'n Buff to give it a glow-up. Change your vent cover's color to match better with your decor. You can even apply it to high-touch surfaces like cabinet pulls, door knobs, and faucets. Just be sure to sand before applying, and seal with a clear topcoat like lacquer once it's dry to prevent wear and tear.