Turn anything into beautiful brass or gold with this simple step-by-step tutorial to use Rub ‘n Buff.
A few years ago, brass was difficult to come by, especially at an affordable price. I have no fear of spray paint, but it’s not always feasible, i.e. some objects like curtain rods and picture frames with permanent glass cannot easily be sprayed. A friend of mine, Lori, introduced me to Rub ‘n Buff. I have been turning anything and everything into brass since. My first choice is always to purchase true brass, but when it’s not available, this is the next best option. Buffing to a beautiful brass is easy with this tutorial!
Chris and I visited Rocheport, Missouri in June. It’s a small town nestled along the Missouri River just outside of Columbia, Missouri where Chris & I both attended college at Mizzou. It’s one of my favorite places to shop! The boutiques there are full of antiques and well selected curiosities like dried hydrangea and pineapples and things like these gorgeous butterflies. Can you believe I purchased them for just $9 each? It seemed so inexpensive for such one of a kind art. They came in little black frames. If you’ve been following, you may have noticed that it’s the opposite of my color palette.
Fortunately, you can turn anything into beautiful brass, including clean dry or previously painted surfaces. I shared an image on Instagram & couldn’t believe the response. At the request of fabulous food blogger, Gimme Some Oven, I’m sharing the simple tutorial today! I’m always inspired by you, so if there’s something you’d like to learn more about, let me know and it may be my next post!
Table of Contents
What is Rub and Buff?
Rub and Buff is formulated from imported carnauba waxes, fine metallic powders and select pigments. This combination can produce a finish no paint can duplicate. It can be used on almost any clean surface including those previously painted.
After applying Rub and Buff, use a cloth and then gently buff until desired sheen. The more you buff the more shine will appear. It is best used on surfaces that aren’t touched often.
What Can You Use Rub and Buff On?
These picture frames turned out beautifully, but frames aren’t the only use for Rub and Buff. Here are some other ways to use Rub and Buff. This however, isn’t a comprehensive list. I’d love to hear about your project. Share in the comments how you have used Rub and Buff!
- Curtain Rods
- Hardware
- Any metal that needs a little TLC
- Mirror Frame
- Lamps
- Vase
- Flower Pots
Types of Rub and Buff
If brass isn’t on your color palette, Rub and Buff has several other options to choose from.
- Gold
- Ebony
- Pewter
- Silver
- Copper
Supplies
- Washi or painters tape
- Latex gloves (to keep your hands clean)
- Rub ‘n Buff
- White cloth or Viva paper towels (because they’re soft, thick & don’t tend to lose their fibers)
- Picture Frames
How to Use Rub and Buff
- Make sure your project surface is clean and dry.
- Tape your glass, if necessary.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Using a finger or soft cloth, gently dot rub and buff (a small dot goes a long way) onto frame and buff to a beautiful luster.
- Immediately buff it off in rough areas with a soft cloth. See photo below for an example before buffing.
- Allow to dry & remove your tape.
I’ve talked about this process a few years ago when I wanted Pottery Barn Gilded Frames in sizes they didn’t carry.
We’re making small strides in our new home, but as you can see, there’s still a lot to do, like steaming drapes. I find creating art far more fun!
I’d love to hear you plan to use this tutorial! Comment below!
More DIY Home Decor
- How to Paint Ceramic Tile
- How to Paint Concrete Floors
- The Best Paint for Furniture
- DIY Pressed Botanical Wall Art
- Custom Copper Curtain Rods for Bay Windows
- How to Make Window Boxes
How to Rub ‘n Buff – Turn Anything into the Look of Beautiful Brass
Equipment
- N/A
Ingredients
- 1 Washi Tape
- 1 Latex Gloves
- 1 Rub 'n Buff
- 1 White Cloth or Paper Towels
Instructions
- Tape your glass, if necessary
- With gloves on, use a dot of run 'n buff at a time and work onto picture frame. A little goes a long way.
- Immediately buff it off in rough areas with a soft cloth.
- Allow to dry and carefully remove your tape.
How to Use Rub and Buff to Turn Anything Into Beautiful Brass
Turn anything into gorgeous brass using Rub and Buff.
Materials
- Rub and Buff
- Picture Frame
- Washi Tape or Painters Tape
- Latex Gloves
- Soft Rag or Viva Paper Towels
Instructions
- Make sure your project surface is clean and dry.
- Tape your glass, if necessary.
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Using a finger or soft cloth, gently dot Rub and Buff (a small dot goes a long way) onto frame and buff to a beautiful luster.
- Immediately buff it off in rough areas with a soft cloth.
- Allow to dry & remove your tape.
Notes
- The more you buff the higher the shine will be.
Julie,
Can you tell me what color of rub and buff you used? Our paint store has multiple shades to pick from and I am never quite sure what gold and brass shade is best. Thanks!
Of course! I usually use antique gold to get a brass appearance & gold leaf or grecian gold for more of a golden tone.
I discovered Rub N Buff a few years ago and ran around my house gilding everything. I love this product! Seeing this makes me want to grab my tube again to see if there is something else I can renew!
I’m always looking for something to gild! Watch out! We may need play dates, too!
Hi Julie, I’ve been a Rub ‘n Buff fan for many years. I just use my bare finger to apply it. When I just want to “color” the high spots of an object, this gives me more control. (I recently renewed the knobs on my dresser – they were “carved” and I wanted the look of antique silver, so just hitting the high spots of the knobs gave me just the look I wanted.) I’ve also used painters tape about 1/4 inch apart and R n B’d the space in between for a nice straight line of “color”. Did you know it comes in many colors? My favorite is Copper, but Silver, Red, Copper patina are some of the other colors available. I found this out by doing a search on eBay! I’m a big online shopper, so that’s why I was looking on eBay.
I wish I could send you a picture of my knobs.
Yes! I love it in copper as well. I use latex gloves to keep my hands clean, but don’t feel like the hinder the process. You can always email me or tag your photo on Instagram! Thanks for sharing!
I have to know…what’s your favorite shade of rub n’ buff. I have some, but trying to decide between antique, etc. at the store was torture!
I tend to gravitate to Gold Leaf & Grecian Gold. You?