How to Apply Rub ‘n Buff to Dresser Hardware and Handles

Updating furniture doesn’t have to be expensive – using Rub ‘n Buff on dresser hardware is an easy way to achieve a gold leaf or antique gold finish without replacing your handles. This quick DIY tutorial will show you how to transform outdated drawer pulls and give them a beautiful luster with minimal effort!

I’ve always loved the look of vintage gold hardware, but let’s be real – buying new drawer pulls can get expensive fast – and sometimes you can’t find the right size! So instead of replacing the hardware on the dresser I turned into a dining room hutch, I used Rub ‘n Buff to give my old handles a fresh, new look in just a few minutes, and I am obsessed with how they turned out!

Why Use Rub ‘n Buff on Dresser Pulls & Handles?

• Budget-friendly: Gives old hardware a new life without replacing it!
• Provides a beautiful luster and an aged look that mimics high-end finishes
• Available in a variety of gold colors

💡 If you’re new to Rub ‘n Buff and want to see all the color options before getting started, check out my guide on Rub ‘n Buff Colors: What They Look Like to find the perfect shade for your project!

Supplies Needed

• Rub ‘n Buff – I used the color Antique Gold
• Soft cloth
• Screw driver – to remove the hardware from the dresser or cabinet
• Mild dish detergent

💡 Not sure which gold color to choose? I tested several shades to compare their finishes – take a look at my Rub ‘n Buff Gold Colors post to see how they all stack up!

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Prepping the Hardware for Best Adhesion

It’s important to only apply the Rub ‘n Buff wax to a clean piece of hardware to ensure the best adhesion and finished coat. Start by removing the hardware from the dresser or cabinet and give it a good soapy wash using a mild dish detergent. If the hardware is quite grimy, use an old toothbrush to really scrub the hardware.

Applying Rub ‘n Buff: Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Apply a Small Amount
   • Use a tiny tube of Rub ‘n Buff and squeeze a small amount onto a soft cloth
2. Buff Onto Hardware
   • Use circular motions to rub the product onto the pull or handle
   • Apply a thin, even coat for a smooth surface
3. Let It Dry
   • The wax dries quickly, usually within a few minutes, however, it does take 24 hours to fully cure
4. Apply a Second Coat (If Needed)
   • For a deeper gold finish, add a second coat once the first is dry
5. Buff for a Beautiful Luster
   • Use a clean cloth to buff for a shinier, more creamy finish
6. Let Cure Before Reattaching Hardware
   • Let cure for 24 hours before reattaching to the piece of furniture

💡 Want to learn more about how Rub ‘n Buff works and which surfaces it adheres to best? Read my complete guide: What Is Rub ‘n Buff? How to Use & Color Options.

This before-and-after transformation shows just how big of a difference a different shade of glad can make! The original hardware had a dull, aged brass look, but now have a warm, rich gold finish that looks high-end and elegant.

I absolutely love how this dresser turned out! The combination of the soft gray chalk paint and the gold-finished hardware gives it such a high-end, timeless look!

The best part was that it was so easy to do! The hardware looks elegantly aged, like it was always meant to be this way, and I couldn’t be happier with how it complements the rest of the room and matched my DIY Rubbed Gold Thrift Store Lamp Makeover!

If you’ve got outdated drawer pulls or handles, trust me – this is the easiest way to give them a whole new life without spending a fortune. Now I’m eyeing all the other fixtures in my house… what else can I Rub ‘n Buff?