Rub n Buff Colors Tried & Tested: Color Guide & Tutorial

Comparing all of the metallic Rub n Buff Colors to find the best gold, silver, and copper colors for craft projects.

There are few craft things I love more than Rub n Buff… seriously, it’s right up there with the hot glue gun on the list of “Brilliant Craft Supplies”.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve used this stuff, but let’s just say any time you need to paint something metallic and actually make it look like real gold, silver, or copper, Rub n Buff is the most convincing one out of any finish you could use.

And since I’m constantly forgetting which Rub n Buff colors I like best and needed to use it on some hardware in our current bathroom renovation, I decided to conduct a little color experiment like I did for ranking the best gold spray paints. Maybe it’ll help you in future projects too.

What is Rub n Buff?

It’s not technically a paint. Rub n Buff is a mixture of carnauba waxes, fine metallic powders, and pigments. You can literally rub it onto a hard surface, and gently buff away the excess wax to create a shiny luster.

Rub n Buff Antique Gold painted picture frame

What to Use Rub n Buff On

I’ve used it on many household items:

light fixtures (like this light)
furniture hardware
door hinges
door knobs
lamps
picture frames (like this frame)
mirror frames
planter pots
Christmas ornaments
exposed screws
so many things!

I used Rub n Buff to make this cheap light fixture look like a more expensive version from Pottery Barn.

painting a light fixture with Rub n Buff Antique Gold

antique gold frosted glass light fixture

How to Use Rub n Buff

Rub n Buff doesn’t require a primer, but it does help to sand any smooth surfaces first to give it “grip”. A little goes a long way.

Apply a pea-sized small amount to a soft cloth or your finger (I wear latex gloves), and rub the wax onto any metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, or glass surface. Wait about 30 seconds before buffing with a soft cloth to create a shiny finish.

For very detailed pieces, I like to apply it with a small paint brush. I used a small brush to apply Rub n Buff European Gold to these old door hinges.

Tutorial: DIY Door Update to Change Hinge Colors Quickly

using Rub n Buff European Gold to brush on door hinges

door hinge brushed with Rub n Buff European Gold

Testing Rub n Buff Colors

When testing out these colors, I made the rookie mistake of not sanding first like I normally do, so it made the “buffing” step next to impossible and resulted in a chunky, terribly textured, dull finish. Oops! I know better; I swear I do. Sanding is the secret sauce.

I was still able to see how the colors looked though, and that was really my main goal in this little experiment, so I can refer back to it in future projects.

Rub n Buff Gold Colors

Grecian Gold – This gold is more bronze and a bit warmer than Gold Leaf. If you want your gold to look slightly aged without a copper undertone, this is a winner.
European Gold – The least saturated, cooler-toned of all of the Rub ‘n Buff golds, this shade is more of a champagne hue and is best if you want just a slightly gold tinted color.
Antique Gold – This gold has a slightly pink-ish/copper hue, but only slightly.
Gold Leaf – This color is close to a bright brass or a brand new yellow gold.
Autumn Gold – I would call this bright copper instead of gold since it has such a strong presence of red undertone. It’s like a bright, new copper color without any aged patina.

Rub n Buff European Gold vs Antique Gold

Of the five golds, my favorites are Rub n Buff Antique Gold and European Gold, but that’s just my preference. Each one is beautiful in their own right.

Here is a mirror I brushed with European Gold, which is slightly less saturated in color and not as yellow.

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mirror brushed with Rub n Buff European Gold

I brushed this mirror below with Antique Gold, which is more yellowy and brighter than European Gold.

mirror brushed with Rub n Buff Antique Gold

Rub n Buff Silver Colors

There aren’t as many silver colors as there are gold ones, and the two silver colors are both beautiful!

Silver Leaf – A bright silver like that of a brand new dime freshly minted.
Pewter – An aged silver color with slightly less luster. I definitely prefer this one for antique looking surfaces over the Silver Leaf shade.

Rub n Buff Copper Colors

I compared Autumn Gold to Spanish Copper because even though technically Autumn Gold is in the “gold family”, I felt it needed a side-by-side for a copper color test.

Spanish Copper – Almost like rust, this copper is much closer to bronze and has an aged patina look.
Autumn Gold – A bright new copper shade without any aging.

Never thought I’d be sitting at my office desk “trying on” Rub n Buff colors, but doing this little experiment was so helpful for me so I can reference all of the colors in the future, and I hope it helped you too.

Now that I’ve found the “winner” for color matching the faucets in our bathroom (European Gold this time) to use on our bathroom vanity and a couple of exposed shelving screws, we are one step closer to being finished with the bathroom renovation!

Do you have any other “holy grail” craft supplies you love? Or more color experiment requests? I’m totally down to test ’em all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rub n Buff used for?

Unlike paint, Rub n Buff can add dimension for a metallic finish that looks more like real gold, silver, or copper than paint. It is often used on decorative hardware, frames, and fixtures throughout the home.

Does Rub n Buff wear off?

Rub n Buff is very durable, but it isn’t permanent as it can be rubbed off over time, especially on items that are touched often like door knobs.

Do I need to sand before using Rub n Buff?

If you want the absolute best adhesion, especially on items that will be touched frequently like knobs, it’s important to sand and prime before using Rub n Buff. On items that aren’t usually handled like light fixture or picture frames, it’s a good idea to sand for easier application, but primer isn’t necessary.

More Paint Color Resources

The Best Gold Spray Paints – Ranked

12 Best Sage Green Paint Colors for a Relaxing Room

How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home Interior Like a Pro

43 Comments

Traci says:

April 20, 2022 at 12:43 pm

First of all thank you! This article is direct, straight to the point, and short. I am all forba good read, but when Im referencing an article specifically a review I dread articles that are pages and pages of “my granndma’s three legged porcupine was named Rub ‘n Buff … ”

Yesterday I started my first ever diy using Rub ‘n Buff. I almost gave up as it took at least 4 attempts at getting the proper finish. Unfortunately I went all in and tried to do an entire pedant light instead of a small section so hours where spent “learning.”

My first question to you is what is the best rag to use in your opinion as I tried a thick smooth paper towel, standard dish towel, and settled on an old microfiber yet still never could get the application to work at all only the buffing.

Second, do you have any advice for application on screw heads or faceplates where the grain or swirl of the product really needs to look smooth and seamless?

Thank you so much once again. I’m excited to explore your page more and learn from you.

1. Lauren says:
  
  May 2, 2022 at 12:31 pm
  
  Hi!! I have several posts on my use of the rub in buff. Each with a different technique. I don’t think there is a mastered way. Except maybe a good rule of thumb is “a little goes a long way”. If you search “rub n buff” on the blog you will find several tutorials with different ideas to pull from.
  
Christina says:

February 19, 2022 at 2:32 pm

What grit sandpaper do you recommend? I’m going to be spray painting curtain rods with rustoleum metallic gold and then planned on using the antique gold rub n buff.

1. Lauren says:
  
  February 21, 2022 at 12:13 pm
  
  Just a fine grit should do the job. 🙂
  
Maria B. says:

November 24, 2021 at 2:44 pm

Hello Lauren,
I have/used several of these colors and can never remember which one is the color I need just based on the color name so this is very helpful, thank you!
I wonder how it holds up when using it on things that are touched constantly like a cabinet pull. Does it dry somehow to form its own protection? Does it crack and flake over time or does it maintain its coverage and color?
-Maria B.

1. Lauren says:
  
  November 30, 2021 at 12:07 am
  
  Hi! That is a good question. 🙂 I have read reviews that it is GREAT for cabinet pulls.
  
sharon trasatti adrion says:

November 23, 2021 at 11:11 am

Christy, this is my first time commenting but my question is which color did you use on the legs of your new vanity. I have this same vanity and champagne gold fixtures so want to make it as close as possible. Thanks and I love your blog and have gotten so many good ideas.

1. Lauren says:
  
  November 29, 2021 at 10:26 am
  
  I used the European Gold color on the vanity. It’s a less saturated gold than the others and almost perfectly matches Delta’s Champagne Bronze fixtures.
  
Debbie Whitten says:

November 22, 2021 at 10:31 pm

is this permanent? especially in terms of doing the sink faucets which obviously get wet and are cleaned often. I’m just wondering how it holds up to regular wear and tear vs. an ornamental decor item. thanks.

1. Lauren says:
  
  November 30, 2021 at 12:10 am
  
  Hi! I have spray painted faucets and they are holding up GREAT! I have read reviews that Rub n Buff is just as durable.

Rub n Buff Colors Tried & Tested: Color Guide & Tutorial