How Long Does Rub And Buff Last?

What is Rub ‘N Buff?

Rub ‘N Buff is a versatile metallic wax finish that has been popular among artists, craftspeople, and DIYers since it was first introduced in the 1970s by American Art Clay Co. Inc.

According to the Our Fifth House blog, Rub ‘N Buff was originally developed as an easy way for jewelry makers to add antique patinas to their metal pieces. The product took off among crafters and artists who loved how it could transform the look of various materials with a rubbed-on metallic finish.

Rub ‘N Buff is a wax-based product that contains microfine metal particles suspended in a carrier base. It comes in a stick form that makes it easy to apply. To use Rub ‘N Buff, you simply rub it directly onto the surface you want to finish. The more you burnish it, the more intense the metallic effect becomes. The finish lasts without tarnishing or fading.

Some key types of Rub ‘N Buff include:

• Wax-based sticks for use on metal, wood, glass, and more
• Liquid wax in pens for detailed work
• Oil-based gel formulas for antiques, plastic, and craft paints

Overall, Rub ‘N Buff offers an easy way to add a convincing distressed, antiqued, or metallic finish to craft projects and decorative pieces.

Typical Uses for Rub ‘N Buff

Rub ‘N Buff is commonly used to add a metallic finish for various decorative purposes. Some of the most popular uses include:

Metallic finishes on accessories, jewelry, decor

Rub ‘N Buff can be used to add antique-looking metallic finishes to jewelry, hardware, frames, vases, candles, and various decorative accessories around the home. The waxy paste creates a convincing worn metal effect in silver, gold, copper and more.

Adding antique patinas to furniture/home decor

Rubbing Rub ‘N Buff over areas of wooden furniture is a quick and easy way to make pieces look like cherished antiques. It darkens and aging wooden surfaces beautifully. Many DIYers use it when upcycling or refinishing old furniture to make it look like a convincing antique.

Cosplay/costume props

The ability to quickly add convincing metallic finishes makes Rub ‘N Buff ideal for costume creations. It can transform plastic costume props and armor to look like real antique metal finishes.

Automotive applications

In the automotive world, Rub ‘N Buff can add character to metal engine components or other automotive surfaces. The waxy finish can create a nicely aged patina on newer parts to make them look older and more interesting.

Factors That Impact Durability

There are several key factors that impact how durable and long-lasting Rub ‘N Buff will be on a surface:

The surface it’s applied to – Rub ‘N Buff tends to last longer on hard, non-porous surfaces like metal and plastics vs. porous surfaces like wood. On porous surfaces, it can soak in and wear away faster. Preparing the surface properly by lightly sanding can help it adhere better on wood (source).

Frequency of contact/handling – Areas that are touched or handled often will wear faster than surfaces that have minimal contact. The oils from skin contact can slowly break down Rub ‘N Buff over time (source).

Exposure to elements – Rub ‘N Buff holds up well indoors but can wear faster if used on outdoor surfaces exposed to sun, rain, snow etc. It’s best for indoor decorative uses.

Application method – Applying Rub ‘N Buff smoothly and evenly in thin layers, then letting it fully cure for 24 hours before buffing/handling will provide a more durable finish (source).

Durability on Metal

Rub ‘N Buff can last for years on metal surfaces with just occasional handling based on user reports (source). The wax-based formula provides good adhesion and durability. However, with frequent handling and use, the finish will fade over time. The binders in Rub ‘N Buff allow it to bond well to smoother, finished metals like brass, copper, silver, and steel. On rough or porous metals, the finish doesn’t cling as tightly in the crevices and may require more frequent reapplication (source).

To maximize durability on metal surfaces, apply Rub ‘N Buff to cleaned and prepared metals free of oils, then seal it with a clear acrylic spray after 24 hours of cure time. This helps protect the finish from wear, fingerprints, and humidity. Properly applied and sealed, Rub ‘N Buff can provide years of beautiful metallic finishes on metal surfaces with moderate handling.

Durability on Wood

Rub ‘N Buff can last 1-3 years on wood surfaces with light handling. The metallic finish is designed to adhere well to finished wood like furniture, cabinets, and decorative items. With only occasional touching or contact, Rub ‘N Buff can maintain its luster for years before needing to be reapplied.

However, with frequent handling and contact over time, the finish will begin to fade and wear over a period of months. High traffic areas like tabletops, cabinet knobs, and door handles tend to rub off quicker than other surfaces. The finish seals well initially, but wear down with repeated abrasion.

To maximize durability on wood, apply Rub ‘N Buff to a clean, finished surface free of dirt, grease, or existing polish. Allow to fully cure for at least 24 hours before use. Spot touch-ups can help preserve worn areas when needed. With proper care and light use, Rub ‘N Buff can create a beautiful metallic shimmer on wood for 1-3 years.

Durability on Plastics

Rub ‘n Buff typically lasts only weeks to months when applied to plastic surfaces before beginning to wear off or fade, especially with regular handling or use. The wax and oil-based formula does not bond as well to smooth plastics as it does to porous surfaces like wood or metal.

According to tutorials on using Rub ‘n Buff for props and costumes, the metallic finish will scratch off plastic with only minor abrasion and can fade significantly when exposed to sweat or moisture https://themandoway.com/using-rub-n-buff-on-plastic/. On plastic car parts or household items, the finish may look worn after only light use within weeks.

To extend the life of Rub ‘n Buff on plastics, users recommend thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding the surface first to help the finish adhere better. A clear topcoat spray can also help protect the finish, though it may slightly dull the metallic sheen. Overall, plastics do not hold Rub ‘n Buff as long or as reliably as other materials.

Protecting the Finish

One of the best ways to extend the life and durability of Rub ‘N Buff is to apply a clear topcoat sealing. This helps protect the finish from wear, fingerprints, scratches, and oxidation over time. Some good options for topcoats include:

• Polyurethane – Water-based or oil-based polyurethane provides a durable protective barrier. Allow the Rub ‘N Buff to cure fully before applying the polyurethane (ourfifthhouse.com, 2012).
• Spray lacquer – Light coats of spray lacquer help seal the finish. Let dry fully between coats (thriftydecorchick.com, 2021).
• Paste wax – Apply a thin coat of paste wax and buff it out. Reapply wax every 1-2 months (drivenbydecor.com, 2022).

For items like doorknobs, cabinet hardware, or other high-touch surfaces finished with Rub ‘N Buff, handwashing is recommended over the dishwasher. The heat and detergent in a dishwasher can gradually break down the finish over time. Occasionally touching up these high-wear areas with more Rub ‘N Buff will help maintain the beautiful metallic patina.

Removing Rub ‘N Buff

If you need to remove Rub ‘N Buff from a surface, there are a few effective methods to try:

Alcohol or acetone can be used to break down the oils in Rub ‘N Buff and make it easier to remove. Gently rub the alcohol or acetone on the surface with a soft cloth. Check frequently and reapply as needed until the Rub ‘N Buff starts to break down and come off.

Fine steel wool or sandpaper can also be used to gently buff off the Rub ‘N Buff once the oils have been broken down. Take care not to damage the underlying finish. Make sure to frequently clean the steel wool or sandpaper to prevent clogging.

For more stubborn applications that don’t rub off, you may need to completely refinish the surface by repainting or applying a new finish. Use paint stripper to fully remove all traces of the Rub ‘N Buff.

It’s often easiest to remove Rub ‘N Buff when it’s still relatively fresh. The longer it sits, the harder it will be to take off. Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging the original finish underneath.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Durability

To get the longest lasting finish from Rub ‘n Buff, follow these pro tips:

Proper surface preparation is key for good adhesion and durability. Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and grease-free before applying Rub ‘n Buff. Lightly sanding glossy surfaces helps the product adhere better.

Apply Rub ‘n Buff in thin, even layers, gently rubbing it into the surface with a soft cloth. Thick globs can flake or peel off over time. Build up sheer layers for best results.

Seal Rub ‘n Buff with a topcoat like wax, polyurethane, or lacquer [1]. This protects the finish and prevents oxidation and discoloration. Reapply the protective sealant every 6-12 months.

Handle surfaces with Rub ‘n Buff gently and avoid abrasion or friction which could wear down the finish prematurely. Use coasters and padding under objects to prevent scratching.

Summary

The longevity of Rub ‘N Buff really depends on the surface it is applied to and how that finished piece is cared for. On metal surfaces that are mainly for display, Rub ‘N Buff can easily last 5+ years with proper application and handling. On surfaces that will be touched often, like jewelry or furniture accents, the wax finish has a tendency to wear faster, sometimes fading in just a few months.

Proper application is key for maximizing durability. Ensuring the surface is clean before applying Rub ‘N Buff, using thin and even coats, and protecting the finish with a sealer spray can go a long way towards extending its lifetime. While Rub ‘N Buff isn’t as durable as some other finishing options, with the right precautions it can hold up for years rather than months on many surfaces.