AMACO Rub 'N Buff 9-Color Sampler Set
Nine colors of wax metallic finish in one kit — a practical entry point for anyone serious about gilding, restoration, or surface work. The range covers warm golds to cool pewter without redundancy.
TL;DR Summary
Pros
- Nine genuinely distinct colors — the gold variations are differentiated enough to justify the range
- Wax formula adheres to wood, plaster, metal, and primed surfaces without priming agents
- Sampler format is smart — lets you identify your working palette before committing to full-size tubes
- Application requires no special tools; fingertip or soft cloth is sufficient
- A small amount covers meaningful surface area, making each tube last longer than its size suggests
Cons
- Tube volume (0.5 oz each) means frequent reorders once you settle on a favorite shade
- Not a standalone protective finish — high-contact surfaces need a sealing topcoat over the wax
- Per-ounce cost is high relative to buying individual full-size tubes once preferences are established
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Extended Observations
Nine colors of wax metallic finish in one kit — a practical entry point for anyone serious about gilding, restoration, or surface work. The range covers warm golds to cool pewter without redundancy.
Rub 'N Buff has been around long enough that its reputation precedes it. AMACO's wax metallic finish is the kind of product that shows up in furniture restorer's workshops, prop-makers' studios, and craft rooms alike — not because it's trendy, but because it works on a wide range of surfaces and doesn't ask much of the person using it. This 9-color sampler is the clearest argument for starting here rather than buying individual tubes blind.
The color selection is genuinely well-considered. Gold Leaf, Antique Gold, Grecian Gold, Autumn Gold, and European Gold might sound redundant on paper, but each reads distinctly on a surface — from the warm, almost orange quality of Autumn Gold to the cooler, brighter register of Gold Leaf. Ebony and Pewter anchor the darker end. Silver Leaf and Spanish Copper round things out. For someone working on mixed-media pieces or furniture restoration, having all nine on hand means fewer compromises.
Application is finger-tip or soft cloth, buffed to a sheen once dry. The wax formula adheres well to wood, plaster, metal, and most primed surfaces. It layers predictably, which matters when you're building up a patina rather than laying down a flat coat. The tubes are small — 0.5 oz each — but a little goes a long way on most projects. A single tube of Gold Leaf can cover substantial surface area before running out.
The sampler format is the right call for most buyers. Committing to full-size tubes of nine colors before knowing which ones you'll actually reach for is a gamble. This set lets you work through the palette, identify your go-to shades, and reorder accordingly. Prop builders, DIY furniture flippers, and mixed-media artists will find the most value here.
Two caveats worth noting: the tubes are small enough that heavy users will burn through favorites quickly, and the wax finish, while durable for decorative applications, isn't a hard-wearing protective coat — it benefits from a sealing topcoat on high-contact surfaces. Neither is a flaw in the product's design; both are just honest parameters to work within.
Our Verdict
Nine colors of wax metallic finish in one kit — a practical entry point for anyone serious about gilding, restoration, or surface work. The range covers warm golds to cool pewter without redundancy.
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