Metal will most likely require at least 2-3 coats, if not more.

The first coat will look sparse, but keep layering!.

Whether you use your finger or a soft rag to apply, always do so in the same direction.

Rub ‘n Buff in Gold Leafĭuring the application process, I collected a few tips that I hope to be helpful for changing the finish of your metal items: Below, you can see how it looked after two coats – somewhat streaky, right? I ended up applying 4 coats total to achieve a pretty, multi-dimensional brass finish. But don’t give up! Persevere! I initially started by using my finger to apply a small bead of gold to the sconce pieces, but I quickly learned that the application went much more smooth if I used a soft cloth. It’s slick, and after the first coat, you may be wondering if you made a mistake.

Of all the materials I’ve used Rub ‘n Buff with, I’ll admit that metal is the trickiest. If you’re working with a light fixture that can apart with a handful of screws, I recommend doing so! If not, make sure to have a handful of cotton swabs nearby, which will be helpful to coat areas that are hard to reach (like seams and ridges). Scott disassembled the sconces for me, so that I wouldn’t have to tape off the milk glass or struggle with the seams. Here’s what I did to give them a layered, gilded look on a budget! Tools + Supplies Used We loved the look and size, but we didn’t love the brushed nickel finish. So when we spotted these light bars from Lowe’s – and for less than $70! – I challenged myself to a DIY. Initially, we had our eyes on these stunning sconces, but with the cast iron sink being our splurge (seriously, bury me with that beauty!), we had to pass. In this post, I’ll talk about my experience with metal. I’ve used it on metal, wood and ceramic, although there may be a learning curve to each material. It’s forgiving in the sense that you can wipe it off quickly if you apply too much, or you can build on it as it dries.

While spray paint is wonderful for its even application, I knew that Rub ‘n Buff would give me the depth that spray paint couldn’t! If you’ve used Rub ‘n Buff in the past, you know that a small amount goes a long way. Rub ‘n Buff is more than a paint it’s a carnauba wax base with finely ground metallic powder and pigments, giving you rich, dimensional color. When I mentioned that we would be changing the metal finish of those sconces with a mini makeover, many of you asked me, so, like, spray paint? And while spray paint is almost always a win in my book, this time, I opted for Rub ‘n Buff! Rub ‘N Buff v. In our Tree House bathroom, those items were our beloved sink and the two substantial wall sconces, respectively. With any renovation, there are going to be (costly) things that sit high on your wish list, and there will be others that give you room to save. It’s more than just paint this one tool adds depth and instant character! I’m sharing how I transformed the brushed nickel finish of our bathroom sconces to a warm, golden brass.

Gold patina color