Do you ever find that perfect, most amazing thing you’ve been on the thrift hunt for, bring it home and it fits amazingly well (huzzah!) but it really needs a good refinishing to brighten it up? You want to give it a quick coat of Rub N Buff to freshen up its metallic finish but can’t decide on a color. Enter the Rub N Buff colors and finishes comparison.
I can’t believe I haven’t done this before. It’s like having a giant deck of all the Benjamin Moore paint samples, except for Rub N Buff, with only nine colors. Seriously, just nine.
You can look at the colors all you want on a computer or search out the colors by name to find other people’s projects using the color, but nothing beats seeing all the colors together. It’s much easier to decide on the right color this way.
And honestly, no matter how long I stare at the Rub N Buff tubes or color chart online, I cannot tell the difference between Gold Leaf and Grecian Gold. My eyes just don’t see the difference. But once they’re next to each other like this, I can tell that Grecian Gold is a more vibrant gold.
So I broke down, bought the Rub N Buff variety pack from Amazon, and made my own swatches using some scrap wood from our bathroom vanity.
What Is Rub N Buff
For those who might be unfamiliar with Rub N Buff, here’s a quick shake-down of what this stuff is and how it works.
These little tubes are filled with a mix of fine metallic powders and carnauba waxes. Don’t let the size fool you, a little bit goes a long way.
The product is applied to surfaces using either a soft cloth or your finger. Rub it on then give it a buff for extra shine. The more you buff, the shinier it gets.
These are popular products for a wide range of craft projects, home decor items, and refinishing projects. It’s a staple product in most DIYer’s toolkits.
Now let’s dive into the nine different colors.
Rub N Buff Gold Colors
First up, let’s compare the Rub N Buff gold colors.
These five shades of gold have a beautiful luster. I can envision each one of these shades on vintage picture frames or thrifted mirrors to give them new life.
Or even on light fixtures for more of an antique feel. I have for sure been known to gild a modern-style light fixture or two.
Antique Gold
The Antique Gold Rub N Buff color is a warm gold. Of the gold colors, I wouldn’t call it a true gold because of its copper undertones, but more of a muted, gold accent. This color would be beautiful for a collection of picture frames.
Gold Leaf
The Gold Leaf shade of Rub N Buff is the best gold, in my opinion. It feels like the truest shade of gold of the four gold options. Like brand-new yellow gold jewelry. This color would be great for an antique mirror with lots lof detail.
Grecian Gold
The Grecian Gold Rub N Buff shade has the most beautiful luster. It’s like Gold Leaf with a little more depth of color and brightness, feels a little more aged, and doesn’t have a copper undertone. This color would be great for adding gold touches to hardware or light fixtures.
European Gold
My favorite Rub N Buff finish may be European Gold. It’s gold but more brown and earthy for an aged look. I love using this shade to age newer hardware or new wooden items I want to feel vintage. If you want just a hint of gold, this is the color to choose.
Autumn Gold
While technically a gold color, Rub N Buff’s Autumn Gold shade is a gold leaning towards copper. It feels like a cross between copper and gold, almost like rose gold. This shade would be beautiful for antiquing glass or giving new life to a light fixture.
Rub N Buff Silver Colors
I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a silver girl. Which is surprising because all of my favorite jewelry is silver. I can’t explain it. But I do adore these silver shades of Rub N Buff products.
Silver Leaf
The Silver Leaf color of Rub N Buff feels the most like traditional silver. It’s the closest of the two silver shades to polished nickel. This color would be amazing on candle stick holders.
Pewter
Rub N Buff’s Pewter shade is more muted than Silver Leaf without as much shine or luster. This color would be great for mirror frames that need more of an aged silver-tone or to age traditional nickel hardware.
Rub N Buff Copper And Black Colors
Finally, the last two Rub N Buff colors, a dark copper and black color. I would say neither one appears as popular (across Pinterest and the DIY world) as the gold and silver shades but each has its place in the sun.
Spanish Copper
Rub N Buff’s Spanish Copper is the closest shade to brown but is a copper color, reading more bronze. Use it to help age newer brass cabinet hardware or darken gold finishes. It would also be beautiful for refinishing mirrors and picture frames.
Ebony
And finally, Ebony Rub N Buff. This metallic paste would be the closest to black paint but think more oil-rubbed bronze finish. Can’t you see this shade refinishing a collection of vintage door knobs for a consistent yet eclectic look down a hallway?!
Rub N Buff Color Chart
I’m so grateful I tested out all the different Rub N Buff colors and created swatch sticks to use as a color chart. They already came in handy last week when I was trying to decide on the right shade for an upcoming mirror makeover.
So whether you are using Rub N Buff for home decor projects or small crafts, your first time using versus a pro with numerous projects under your belt, I hope you found our Rub N Buff color guide helpful. For such a little tube, it certainly delivers unique finishes that you just can’t get with spray paint.
