TGIF, Friends! I am so excited to tell you about a new product I found. It’s called Rub’n Buff by Amaco. It’s a metallic wax finish used for adding an elegant sheen to nearly any finish. Want details?
I saw Rub’n Buff for the first time recently online while I was searching for gold leaf paint. Rub’n Buff comes in a small 1/2 ounce tube and costs about $8.34. A half ounce doesn’t sound like much but it goes a long way. One tube can cover 20 square feet apparently. I bought the Antique Gold but it also comes in other metallic finishes such as silver leaf, copper, pewter etc. You can even buy a sampler pack of 12 different finishes on Amazon for about $33.
Rub’n Buff is made of a “blend of carnauba waxes, metallic powders, and pigments that create a finish no paint can duplicate.” (verbatim from the back of the tube) I agree the finish looks just like actual gold leaf! And much less expensive! (Notice this lady on the package doesn’t have a speck of gold on her hands or fingernail.)
I chose the antique gold color because it best suited my projects. (I would gold leaf everything if I could.) I have a large frame I’m planning to use at the wedding but I wanted it to be gold instead of blue. The directions on the back of the packaging says to use your finger or a cloth to rub on the wax. It also says you can wash it off of your hands using soap and water. So, I used my fingers but the gold paint doesn’t come off easily with soap and water. Next time I will use gloves. My frame started out blue with a bit of silver leaf.
I would also recommend trying the wax on a small inconspicuous spot or on a different piece altogether. It takes a few tries to get the right amount on your finger and decide how much surface you want to cover. At first I put too much on at a time and I filled in too much of the recessed areas. I think it looks better if you rub the wax onto the raised parts on the frame leaving a bit of the original color behind. In retrospect, I probably would have painted the frame black first and then gold leafed over it. (Wendy) Do you see what I mean about not putting too much wax in the crevices? I think it gives the piece more dimension.
This product is inexpensive and easy to use. And, it’s not nearly as messy as actual gold leaf and a fraction of the cost. I painted this entire frame in about 10 minutes. I might add just a bit more of the Rub’n Buff or maybe I’ll use some dark wax to add even more depth. I painted this large frame and used just a small bit of the wax. I have tons left over for more projects!
I’ve read you can also use this wax on crafts, antiques, home decor and chandeliers! Hmmmm. I might have a chandelier or two sitting around just waiting for a little pick me up! The name says it all. Rub it and buff it!
***Note: This product is flammable and contains petroleum distillates so please use caution. Below is the finished frame.
My sister just ordered a capital/pedestal for a candle and she wants to gold leaf it. Rub’n Buff would be perfect! Have you ever used this awesome wax? If so, what did you use it for and how did you like it? Please feel free to send pictures! I hope you have a lovely weekend! Thank you as always for stopping by! xo Dell
