Spray Paint vs. Rub ‘n Buff

I love spray paint and rub ‘n buff equally.  They are two totally different products, and yet they are equally awesome, in my opinion.  However, I’ve been asked via email numerous times how I go about deciding which product to use on a particular project.  So I thought today I’d do a little comparing and contrasting, a little out loud thinking, to give you an idea of how my brain works (this could be scary) and to hopefully help you decide how to choose which product to use for your next project. 
spray paint vs. rub 'n buff
Obviously, or maybe not so obvious to some, spray paint comes in a much larger variety of colors than rub ‘n buff.  Although you can find a larger variety of rub ‘n buff colors online than in craft stores, spray paint still beats rub ‘n buff in the color variety arena.  Now that we got that out of the way let’s compare and contrast my two personal favs – Rustoleum’s Metallic Gold spray paint (my all time favorite gold spray paint) and Rub ‘n Buff in Gold Leaf. 
I just so happened to use both this past weekend. 
using gold spray paint and rub 'n buff
I turned the black sunburst mirror that hangs on the striped hallway wall gold using spray paint.  I was just ready for a change and a little bling.  The best part is when I tire of the gold I can just as easily spray it back to black or some other color.  
pinstriped wall

And in other gold news I turned the terrarium on my console table gold using rub ‘n buff.  Here it is in it’s original black metal at Christmas.

And here it is after I rubbed and buffed it gold.  #thatsoundsawkwarddoesntit

rub 'n buff in gold leaf

So how did I decide which product to use to magically turn these items gold?  Both golds are really close in color; and the finish, in terms of sheen, is very similar too.

I use spray paint when……………
  – The weather is nice enough to work outside.
  – When I’m working on a large scale project.  Furniture, mirrors, etc

gold spray painted chair
spray painted chair


  – When I’m in a hurry.  There’s nothing faster than spray paint.

metallic gold pedestal
gold kitchen accessories

I use rub ‘n buff when………..
  – It’s too cold, too windy or it’s raining/snowing.
  – When I don’t want to take something down to work on it.  For instance these sconces…….

rub 'n buff to update sconces

and these knobs I worked on without taking them down.

rub 'n buff on cabinet hardware

When I’m working on details, like stenciling a tray.

 rub 'n buff stenciled tray

Honestly it really just depends on the project and the overall effect or look I’m trying to achieve.  I think  gold spray paint gives you a more solid uniform finish whereas the finish you get from rub ‘n buff often depends on the application.  If you use your fingers to apply rub ‘n buff you get a really smooth satin-y finish, but you could also brush it on for a totally different look.  So to sum up I’d say that sometimes rub ‘n buff can give you more options in terms of overall finish but spray paint is still the fastest way to transform something.  Like I said before they are equally awesome yet totally different.  In my opinion it’s a good idea to have both on hand at all times.

What do you think about spray paint vs. rub ‘n buff?  Do you have a favorite?  I’m obviously a big fan of gold but I’ve also been known to use silver and black rub ‘n buff as well.

If you’ve never tried rub ‘n buff I posted a little how to with easy tips last summer.

how to use rub 'n buff

With all this talk of gold I’ve decided to have an impromptu gold party tomorrow!  Come by the blog tomorrow and link up any gold projects  – whether spray painted, rubbed ‘n buffed or an already gold home decor treasure.   Anything gold is welcome!  Can’t wait!

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  • I've used Rub 'N Buff for years and years. However, it also rubs off – or just eventually kind of wears off. Do you seal with anything or have any tips to keep that from happening?

  • totally agree, Carmel! I changed my light fixture in the dining room with rub n buff because i didn't want to take it down. And recently did a little table makeover with rub in buff, but it actually would have been a good candidate for the spray, but I didn't have any and wanted to paint it NOW. haha! I'll be back to link up tomorrow! Thanks!

  • I love my Rub n Buff — nothing in my home is safe from it! I am always finding something new to make gold! I also like the silver finish. In my opinion Rub n Buff works best on wood. Anything metal and the finish can be iffy. Still though I've used it on metal for smaller projects, but a warning that the finish won't be as smooth. Great post!! Your mirror looks amazing.

  • I definitely love them both! I would add that spray paint's finish lasts longer/is more durable. We have a knob on our coffee table that I Rub 'n Buffed but after my husband constantly touching it and resting his feet on it (I don't know why he does this) the finish has started to come off.

  • Janell Beals first taught me about Rub 'n Buff. I have started to purchase it several times but didn't have a particular project in mind, so I always put it back. I've recently been trying to mix in more gold in my home, so maybe I should give it a whirl on some silver accessories that I have. Hmm … my gears are turning now …

    Love the terrarium in gold, by the way. Makes it pop more!

  • What would you recommend for a chandelier that is bright gold with a coating on it…want to bring the color down to antique gold and then rub buff a bit in black. Would I need to prime first? I don't want to try and take the coating off for I'm not sure what the metal would do…any thoughts?

  • What kind of coating? Shiny or flat? Flat is always easier to deal with. I'm not sure I'd go the primer route. Maybe you could try sanding? I've done that numerous time with really shiny metal surfaces.

  • I got a good deal on a bookcase at World Market that has the industrial accents that I love, but the shelves are too dark brown for my taste. It has metal corners, bracing, and visible screws all in black so I am thinking about painting the shelves silver. I am worried that spray paint might peel off, so maybe it needs sanding or primer. But the shelves are not real wood and am worried about sanding and I also think a noneven finish might look good with some of the dark brown/almost black peaking through the silver so I don't think I want to prime it. Maybe I should paint it with a brush. What do you recommend?

  • I have a brushed nickle light fixture over the sink in my bathroom that has a couple of rust spots. I was going to spray paint it then I had an "Ah ha!" moment…can I use Rub-N-Buff? I googled it and that's how I found your blog. I really don't want to take the fixture down because I have no clue about rewiring. Anyway, I was thinking of using a pewter color of rub-n-buff but I'm not sure how it would hold up in a high moisture environment. Could you shed some light on this? What do you think? By the way, I've also been adding little touches of gold here and there also, love your style, I am a new fan of your blog, glad I found it! Thank you in advance.

  • Which is your "go to" gold in Rub N Buff? I believe there are three golds. I purchased Antique Gold but have been hesitant to use it. I painted an old chair black,and want to highlight some of the scrolled areas.

  • I just spray painted a large hallway light fixture a oil rubbed bronze finish but want to put some antique gold accents on it. I want the bronze to peek through…would the rub n buff be the right product to use?

  • I am wanting to repaint a large dresser…which do I use spray paint (what kind) or rub n buff? Do I need to sand and prime it? Also, not sure if I need a wax for it, if so what kind?

  • An HVLP sprayer is a hybrid between an air and an airless sprayer. It can reduce more overspray than an airless because of its low volume. This makes the HVLP unit fit for small projects such as shutters, doors, fences, iron work, shelving and furniture and the HVLP sprayer becomes so versatile when dealing with this things. But an HVLP paint sprayer can’t put out as much paint as an airless sprayer. If you use your sprayer mainly for small items, an HVLP should be considered.

  • Hi, Carmel! I wish I'd read this before I tried a DIY on an IKEA frame–it was an epic fail. I think the size was too large and it was getting gunky on me. I loved the color of the finish (antique gold) so I'm not giving up on Rub 'n Buff yet, but for my project spray paint is the way I'm going to have to go. Thanks so much for the helpful information!
    Sharon
    http://www.prettypracticalhome.com

  • looks like you do a ton of DIY projects which is awesome! im assuming you do alot of painting yourself? if you do find yourself doing alot of painting, priming etc around the house you may want to look into investing into a handheld paint sprayer, like one of these guys at http://www.easypaintsprayerreviews.com, they save sooo much time, you will litterally paint 5times faster, just a tip from a professional painter 😀

  • Thank you for the great ideas, Carmel!
    Will you please tell me what your favorite "go to" gold spray paint is for wood?
    (Color and brand please!) Thank you!!!!!!!!!

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