Rub n' Buff Tips and Tricks!

Ok, so here is the skinny on the Rub n' Buff.  I've had lots of questions about how to use Rub n' Buff on furniture, so I'm gonna give you all the know-how I got!!  There are actually several techniques I have tried that work well.  First off here is what you need

Rub n' Buff metallic wax.  It comes in several different colors.

 If I'm using Rub n' Buff on a relatively small area, like the arms or legs of a chair, the legs of a table, frames, hardware, etc.  I'll just squeeze a big blob of Rub n' Buff on an old T-shirt and rub it on that way.  Wait for it to dry, then go back and buff it with a clean cloth to make it shine.  Usually this will do the trick on smaller areas.  

On large areas like the tops and sides of dressers and desks, or large table tops, filling a spray bottle with Liquid Deglosser is the best way to go.  It extends the drying time of the Rub n' Buff so you don't end up blotchy.

I have found that Liquid Deglosser works better than paint thinner.  Don't ask me why... it just does. No need to worry.  It doesn't degloss your finish in the end.  You can pick it up at Lowe's

When working on large furniture pieces, after filling a spray bottle with Deglosser, spray the  surface you are working on lightly.  You don't need to cover the entire area, just a light spray here and there will do, then squeeze out large blobs of Rub n' Buff all over the area.  Quickly rub the blobs together.    Click here to see that "how to"

If you don't use the deglosser when doing large areas, you may end up with a splotchy looking finish. 

**Also,  wear latex gloves to keep it off your hands, and it does stink so a paper mask from Lowe's works well.  I even found a pack of 12 masks at the dollar store, oh and the spray bottle too.  Go figure!

If you mess up with your Rub n' Buff you can use paint thinner/ Deglosser to remove it, or paint over it and give it another go!

***DON'T USE THE PAINT TECHNIQUE ON LEATHER** just rub it on with a cloth undiluted.

I have also noticed that some of the colors are harder to work with than others.  The Silver Leaf and the gold colors are much smoother and easier to work with.  I haven't tried all the colors yet, but I'll try and put together another post to fill you in on all that too!

Hope this has helped!  If you still have questions or are having trouble, feel free to give me a shout.  Maybe I can help.

***UPDATE, UPDATE***  I've done a new post Rub n' Buff desk makeover and another... Rub n' Buff over painted furniture

***UPDATE, UPDATE*** Also... spoke with the good people at Rub n' Buff and they advised that Rub n' Buff can oxidize and change color a bit when used in high humidity climates (like Florida). A sealer should be used, and a water based Varathane sealer was recommended .  (However, I use spray Polyurethane, and have had no problems)

****UPDATE, UPDATE****  Also see Rub n' Buff Q & A

Smiles!

~Renew Redo~