Not sure which Rub ‘n Buff gold color to use? Here is each color tested and a side-by-side comparison of the top gold choices.

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I get asked all of the time about a metallic wax paste that I use on many of my crafts and DIY projects. A product called, Rub ‘n Buff.
This amazing product comes in 12 different metallic colors and is easily applied to many surfaces. To learn how to use Rub ‘n Buff, I have written a detailed post about What Is Rub ‘n Buff? | How To Use that is a great reference point for beginners and experienced crafters!
When To Use
I love gold, however, I’m not always able to find an item I like in the shade gold I prefer. Sometimes the gold is too brassy, or too shiny or even too yellow. That’s where Rub ‘n Buff comes in and saves the day! I can modify or completely change the look of something by adding a little bit of this metallic wax to it.
Rub ‘n Buff Gold Colors
In the gold color family, there are five beautiful options. Each one unique in their own way. Some have pigments that are lighter, some are darker, while some are more brassy or red toned. My all-time, go-to favorite, is Antique Gold.

Rub ‘n Buff Gold Color Comparison
With there being so many color options, even in the gold family, it’s hard to know which one to choose. In this post, I will show you each gold color and do side-by-side comparisons of the most popular gold choices.

Rub ‘n Buff Antique Gold
As mentioned, this is my favorite gold color. It’s the lightest of the options and I feel is easiest on the eyes. It’s a great blend of a “creamy, rubbed gold” that isn’t too harsh in gold coloring.

Buy Antique Gold here
Rub ‘n Buff Gold Leaf
When you think of gold, this is a true gold color. It is shiny and provides a very classic look and feel.

Buy Gold Leaf here
Rub ‘n Buff European Gold
In my opinion, this is an old-fashioned, dark-colored gold. It reminds me of Medieval times for some reason.

Buy European Gold here
Rub ‘n Buff Grecian Gold
A beautiful brassy gold that definitely fits it’s name sake. This colors looks amazing on big, chunky framed mirrors and pictures.

Buy Grecian Gold here
Rub ‘n Buff Autumn Gold
A pink and red-toned gold that resembles rose gold. This color is great for adding darker highlights to items, especially fall crafts!

Buy Autumn Gold here
Rub ‘n Buff Antique Gold vs Gold Leaf
While seeing each color on a metal spoon is helpful, it is better when you can see them side-by-side in a comparison. On the left is Antique Gold while on the right is Gold Leaf. You can see the more rubbed gold look of Antique Gold verses the more yellow look of Gold Leaf.

Rub ‘n Buff Antique Gold vs European Gold
In this comparison, on the left is Antique Gold while European Gold is on the right. Both are beautiful colors, but seeing them side-by-side, you notice how much darker European Gold truly is.

Which Rub ‘n Buff Gold is Best?
While every gold color is beautiful and has it’s own purpose, I personally love Antique Gold the best, with Gold Leaf coming in a close second. Antique Gold provides the look and feel that I am going for in my Victorian Farmhouse. It has such a light but definitive gold color that looks well with neutral decor colors and dark colors! It also helps bring down brassy colored golds to a more desirable gold shade (like in my DIY Thrift Store Lamp Makeover)! Truly, it’s an amazingly beautiful color that I just love!


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