Saturday, October 2, 2010

Rub 'n Buff

Has anyone ever used Rub 'n Buff? Better yet, has anyone even heard of it? Let me tell you, the stuff is pretty amazing depending on what you want to accomplish.

We are in the process of decorating our dining room. And the brass chandy had to go. The problem is, the ceiling is really high. While I was googling "indoor spray paint" (yes, I was really hoping we could just spray paint it without having to rent scaffolding to take it down), I came across the "original wax metallic finish" - Rub 'n Buff.



For less than $4 at Michaels, it was worth a shot. Basically, you just kind of paint it on with your finger. And it creates a nice metallic finish, similar to a satin or semi-gloss spray paint.

Good-bye, 1993.






Hello, 2010.







It took me about 30 minutes to paint. It is not perfect, but much better than before. The main problem we have now is trying to figure out what to do with the brass chain that kind of clashes with the updated silver chandelier. But who will really look up that high anyway, right?

13 comments:

Amaco said...

Thanks for using AMACO's Rub 'n Buff! I've seen several chandelier transformations, and they all look great just like yours. There are 17 colors of Rub 'n Buff available, you can see and purchase all at www.amaco.com.

Amanda said...

It looks awesome! you could get a chain cover for it. They usually have velcro so you just wrap it around the chain and secure the sides. To get it all the way to the top maybe get it started towards the bottom then get an extendable stick (Home Depot) -and use it to hoist the fabric up the chain.? its a thought.

Anonymous said...

NICE!! I agree, a chain cover would be perfect and soften the space up. What's the color of your walls? VERY nice!

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

What a great idea to paint it silver. And an even better idea to use the Rub 'n Buff. It looks really good.

I've used Rub 'n Buff for 15-20 years! Took a lamp to a lamp refinisher and she introduced me to it. Love the stuff. I just love saying the name. Rub 'n Buff. Fun to say. It's come a long way since then.

annenewman said...

The paint color is "Dark Ash" by BEHR. My husband was a little worried it was going to be too dark...it took a little convincing and now he is now sold on the color :o)

The chain cover is a great idea...I will definitely be checking into that one! Thanks!

MJ said...

Oh my goodness! Did you just rub it on with your finger over the whole chandelier?? I was getting ready to spray paint a chandy tomorrow, but you may have changed my mind if it's that easy! :) Does it dry to a finish like paint? Thanks so much!

annenewman said...

Yep...kind of like finger painting! :) It did not really take too long, and saved my husband from having to take the entire thing down to spray paint. I think the finish looks better than spray paint; it has a perfect metallic sheen and looks great! Would love to see your version!

Jennifer said...

Ha ha! I have the exact same chandelier and did the exact same thing to it!!! Except mine took FOREVER to do, probably because I did it while I was pregnant and my attention span was all over 2-3 minutes at a time. Luckily, my husband was willing to take it down, so I'd sit on the floor and work on it. It WAS super easy. Messy, but easy, and I absolutely adore the finished product.

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

Hi Annie! Just read your guest post over at Primitive & Proper and my chin nearly hit the ground when I saw this idea. Thank you so much for sharing. I've been looking for a temporary solution to improving the look of my brass chandy, but dreaded the thought of having to take it down to spray. I can't wait to try this!

molly in nc said...

I love this re-do and am just wondering if you had any problems getting the rub n buff to stick to the shiny brass. I've tried it on an old brass doorhandle just to test it out and can't get it to stick. Any thoughts?
Thanks!!

Anne @ Hello Newmans said...

Hi, Molly. I did not really have much trouble getting it to stick on there. I just tried to use a thin coat and then fill in as needed. Gook luck and thanks for stopping by!

bradley turner said...

I'd love to use Rub-n-Buff on the old brass fireplace insert that we have to change it to that dark oiled bronze look. I've bought the stuff and tried it in some inconspicuous areas. The question I have is this.... The first "coat" you put on seems to be a little streaky - with the brass still shining through. Do you wait until it's dry to do another coat? Then, do you "buff" after you've finished all your coats? I'm not looking for it to be shiny, and I don't mind a little texture, but, just not sure how long to wait......Oh, and what did you use to apply it and buff it? Thanks for the info!

Anne @ Hello Newmans said...

I have used it on a lot of difference surfaces. I have found that the easiest way to smooth it out is just to apply with my finger in a thin coat and rub it on until it is smooth and covers everything. I only used one coat on the light fixture and it worked just fine. and then you can take a soft cloth and smooth it out even more. Hope that helps a little! Good luck.

 
Designed by Deluxe Designs