Things You Need To Know Before Using Rub 'N Buff

Whether it's your boring builder-grade cabinet hardware or a worn-out picture frame you scored at the thrift store, few things can give items like these a charming new look quicker than Rub 'n Buff. For under $10 a tube, AMACO's Rub 'n Buff is a metallic gilding wax that comes in a variety of colors ranging from gold and silver to copper and pewter. It can be applied to most dry surfaces to instantly give ordinary items an antique-inspired look with lots of character. Plus, it's an easy trick for getting all the metals in your home to match. However, Rub 'n Buff can eventually rub off of any items that aren't properly prepped. Therefore, you should thoroughly clean and dry your items, and you should also prep any high-touch items (like a light switch or door knob) by sanding and priming them before applying it. 

Unlike paint, Rub 'n Buff is wax-based, so you can build the coverage to be as light or heavy as you'd like. Once the wax dries, it hardens and makes items look as though they're made of a gorgeous, lustrous metal. As the name implies, you can also "buff" your pieces to enhance the shine. You only need a tiny amount to transform the look of any metal, wood, glass, ceramic, or plastic item, and you can use either a brush, cloth, or gloved fingertip to apply it. By ensuring you clean your items well and sand/prime any high-traffic pieces first, you'll be left with the perfect metallic paint finish that's also highly durable. 

Before applying Rub 'n Buff to any item, you should clean and dry the surface, as any type of dust or grime could affect adhesion. Mineral spirits is recommended, since it's effective at breaking down grease and oil. While most surfaces don't require further prep beyond cleaning, if you're applying Rub 'n Buff to a high-touch item with a slick, nonporous surface like metal, you should use a high-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface. Be sure to wipe away any sanding dust. This will allow the Rub 'n Buff to grip the surface better. High-traffic items will also need a coat of primer first — either an oil-based primer like Rust-Oleum Zinsser Cover Stain or a shellac-based primer like Zinsser BIN. For the smoothest finish, use a spray primer, and then allow it to dry.

After prepping, apply a thin coat of Rub 'n Buff in small circular motions. You may only need one coat, but slick surfaces like metal may need a second coat for full coverage. For the best durability, let the first coat harden for 24 hours before applying the second coat. Once dry, buff it with a cloth until you reach the desired luster. For high-touch items, you may also want to spray them with a coat of clear lacquer to seal the finish. If you get Rub 'n Buff on your clothes, scrape off any excess before it sets and clean with dish soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner. Now, you can enjoy decorating with metallics without worrying about your Rub 'n Buff wearing off.