Rub ‘n Buff Gold Colors
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.
Rub ‘n Buff is really popular in the DIY, crafter and artist world. The metallic wax can be used for small projects or to add metallic details to larger pieces. While the surfaces it can be used on is extremely versatile, it is often used for restoring or embellishing frames, hardware, or decorative objects; such as vases, figurines, etc.
I was first introduced to Rub ‘n Buff by my mom who wanted me to go change the paint colors on a decorative wall hanging tin she had bought for her bedroom. The original painting had gold accents and she wanted to replicate that after I changed the paint color. That’s where Rub ‘n Buff came in! I was able to replicate the beautiful gold embellishments by using the waxy gold coloring!
How To Pick The Right Gold
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.
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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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Stephanie—home cook, DIY addict, seasonal decor fanatic, and proud chicken wrangler living in a Victorian house that’s always a project. Whether I’m cooking with garden-fresh ingredients, herding mischievous chickens, or tackling another DIY, I’m here to share the fun (and chaos).
I’m looking for an Antique Brass or Vintage Brass color, trying to age some shiny brass fixtures and accessories. Which do you think it would be the closest to these tones? I’m thinking of trying the European Gold?? Thank you for your help, the photos were good info.
Hi Tammy! Yes, I would probably say that European Gold would be the closest to what you are trying to achieve. It does have a tad of a green, darker hint to it (in my opinion). You can always give it a try and then change it if it wasn’t the correct color you were looking for…and try to blend it with another gold color. Good luck!
This is a helpful article, and I really like the antique gold color.
I’m not sure whether this is the right product for this particular project, and want to ask your advice.
I’ve been renovating my home office: honey colored bamboo floors, forest green walls, and antique wood furniture. I want to do the window and door trim in a gold, or in either white paint or a natural light wood that will match the floor, in either case with a gold wash over it.
Would paint be a better solution? I like the idea of an antique look, with the gold not a solid paint but a wash.
Any advice? Thanks!
Want to buy antique gold online ?
I’m curious which Rub ‘n Buff color you think would be the closest match to creating the look of bronze. I’m also curious why they don’t actually have a bronze in the color lineup.
Hi John, I would suggest the color “European Gold” to resemble the look of bronze…I would try it out on a small area or a different piece and see what you think of the color first. You may need to mix a couple colors to achieve the look you’re going for most! Good luck!
I am looking for brushed gold., which would work best?
My favorite brushed gold is antique gold!
What would you say is best for a champagne bronze or brushed bronze look?
It is there a combo you think of two colors that could help achieve that? Trying to turn some bright yellow gold finishings a more brushed bronze, mellow tone to match other finishings! SO glad I found this article!
I had read this doesn’t do well on polished chrome. Does it work on other polished colors, like polished gold? Thank you. Enjoying your sight
Hi Ed, I personally have not tried using Rub ‘n Buff on polished chrome…but I’d be interested in seeing how it turns out. I’ve used it on a brass lamp before and had good success. However, I would be mindful of how much use the item you are trying to cover will be used. I will say, that over extended periods of time, I have seen some natural wearing/rubbing of the Rub ‘n Buff’s finish. Happy refinishing!