If you’re thinking about using Rub and Buff to upgrade your decor, stop right there! I learned the hard way that this tiny product can be tricky, and today, I’m sharing everything you shouldn’t do so you can get it right the first time.

My DIY Light Fixture Makeover Gone Wrong

Take a look at my pendant lights. They were originally chrome and looked stunning, but as a DIY enthusiast, I wanted to give them a black and gold upgrade. I had this vision of sleek, industrial-style lights, but let’s just say it did not go as planned. In fact, I nearly ruined them.

After some trial and error (a lot of error), I eventually transformed them into a gorgeous blue that actually fits my coastal style. But getting there was a struggle.

The Pinterest Inspiration That Started It All

Like many DIY disasters, this one started with a late-night Pinterest scroll. I found an image, thought I can totally do that, and went all in. That’s where things started to go wrong.

The First Mistake: Improper Sanding

The original chrome was too shiny for my taste, so I decided to sand it down. But I made a big mistake—I used 60-grit sandpaper, thinking that would be enough. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.

My Rub and Buff Experience (and Frustration)

I researched products, scoured Hobby Lobby, Ace Hardware, and Home Depot, and landed on Rub and Buff. The reviews raved about its realistic gold finish, so I went with Antique Gold.

But here’s the thing: the instructions on the tube are scarce. They basically just say:

• Apply to most surfaces
• Polish with a cloth
• Clean with mineral spirits
• It’s a wax metallic finish

That’s it. No details. No warning that if you don’t prep the surface properly, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Where It All Went Wrong

I watched several tutorials, and it looked easy. Just rub and buff, right? Well, no. My first attempt left the surface rough and patchy. I tried to fix it, but every time I went over it, the product rubbed right off.

Turns out, Rub and Buff requires proper adhesion. If the surface is too smooth, it won’t stick. If it’s too thick, it looks blotchy. If you try to fix it later, you’ll just wipe it off. Frustrating? Absolutely.

Attempting Spray Paint Instead

After my Rub and Buff fail, I turned to YouTube for other gold-effect options. One creator suggested a high-quality primer followed by a gold spray paint that was supposed to look like real brass.

Guess what? It didn’t. Instead of a rich brass look, I got a fake, painted-metal finish. It looked okay on camera, but in real life? It screamed “spray paint.” At this point, I was beyond frustrated.

How I Finally Got It Right

Determined not to give up, I took drastic measures. I used a brass wire brush attachment on my drill to grind down to the core metal. It was intense—so much metal flew off that my husband was genuinely concerned. I even ended up with battle scars (DIY can be dangerous, y’all!).

But finally, after removing every layer of paint and primer, I reapplied Rub and Buff the right way:

• Sanded the metal down to create serious grip
• Applied a thin, even layer of Rub and Buff
• Used a clean brush to spread it smoothly
• Let it dry completely before touching it again

The Final Result: Success!

After all that work, I finally achieved the realistic gold finish I was after. Side by side, the spray-painted version looked cheap and fake, while the properly applied Rub and Buff had depth and sheen.

I even tested it on a drawer handle. When I only lightly sanded the metal, Rub and Buff rubbed right off with just a little pressure. But on the well-prepped, heavily sanded areas, it held up much better.

Should You Use Rub and Buff?

YES—but only if you prep correctly. Here’s my final advice:

• DO NOT just lightly sand; go deep for proper adhesion.
• DO NOT expect it to hold up on high-touch areas without a strong base.
• DO NOT apply too much at once; thin layers work best.
• DO NOT try to “fix” it by going over it multiple times—it’ll rub off.

Rub and Buff works beautifully on ornaments, picture frames, and decorative accents, but it’s not ideal for surfaces that get a lot of wear, like drawer handles or fixtures. If I had to do this project again, I would go straight to aggressive sanding and only do one careful application.

My Final Thoughts on DIY Projects

DIY projects are unpredictable. Sometimes they turn out perfectly, and sometimes they become an expensive lesson. But for me, DIY is more than just making things pretty—it’s my way of decompressing, meditating, and connecting with my creative self.

If you’re thinking of using Rub and Buff, I hope my experience saves you from a frustrating mistake! Let me know in the comments—are you still willing to try it, or did this scare you off?

And if you love true DIY projects (injuries and all), don’t forget to like and subscribe to my channel. I’ve got plenty more creative projects coming your way!

Until next time, remember—you can create Bliss at home and in your life.