Best Products for Gold Finish Tested: Spray Paint vs Rub ‘n Buff vs Gold Leaf

If you’re like me who wants to add a gold accent to your house and you want to determine the best gold paint for wood or metal that you can use, this post is for you. I laid out three of the best gold paint options that you can purchase anywhere.
Over the years, I have utilized a variety of paints for my DIY projects. As a result, I decided test and compare them by applying three of my preferred gold paints products to wooden trims. The goal show you the result of each paint on the wood.
Hopefully it can enable you to make a well-informed decision before purchasing one!
What are gold finishes and why are they popular?
Have you ever wondered why gold finishes are so popular? Well, as a blogger who’s obsessed with all things DIY and decor, I can tell you that these shiny, metallic coatings are a game-changer when it comes to elevating the look and feel of just about any surface.
Whether it’s a piece of furniture, home decor item, or even a piece of jewelry or accessory, gold finishes can make it feel more luxurious and elegant. And the best part? There are so many different forms to choose from, whether it’s actual gold leaf, gold paint, or plating.
So if you’re looking to add a little bit of glam and sophistication to your next project, definitely consider incorporating a gold finish. Trust me, your finished product will thank you for it!
Top 3 best gold paint products to achieve a beautiful gold finish
Gold Spray Paint

Gold spray paint can be an effective and affordable way to achieve a gold finish on a variety of surfaces, given all you have to do is point and spray. It’s perfect for beginners!
However, there are both pros and cons to using spray paint for this purpose.
One of the main advantages of spray paint is its convenience as it’s very easy to apply. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and wood, and it dries quickly, allowing for fast and efficient completion of projects. Additionally, spray paint is very versatile and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes – there are so many options within within the gold paint category!
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using spray paint. One of the main concerns is its limited durability , especially if the object is exposed to harsh weather conditions or heavy use. In addition, it may also require multiple coats to avoid a powdered finish and achieve the desired coverage, and of course, with proper ventilation.

Overall, spray paint is the best gold paint options for achieving a gold finish on a variety of surfaces, especially if you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use solution. However, it may not be the best gold paint choice for all applications. I found it to be very useful to give the entire item a new finish, instead of applying gold touches to specific areas.
Here’s a photo I snapped while turning a bronze metal bracket into a gold one with gold spray paint. On the right you can see the powdered finish from a gold spray paint. This is achieved by applying it lightly. You’ll be able to even this out by applying 2-3 coats. However, you cannot achieve a translucent finish by it without looking powdery.
On the left for comparison, is achieved by using Rub n Buff, that I’ll talk about next.

Rub ‘n Buff

Rub ‘n Buff is a brand of metallic wax that is used to create a metallic finish on a variety of surfaces. It comes in a small tube or jar and is typically applied with a soft cloth, brush, or just your fingers!
To use Rub ‘n Buff, you simply apply a small amount to the surface you want to cover and then buff it with a soft cloth or your fingers until it is evenly distributed. The wax dries quickly, leaving behind a durable and long-lasting metallic finish that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, plastic, and more.

One of the advantages of Rub ‘n Buff is that it can be used to create a variety of metallic finishes, including gold, silver, copper, bronze, and more. It can also be used to create interesting effects, such as a distressed or antique look, by rubbing it off in certain areas or applying it unevenly.
Some examples of when Rub ‘n Buff may be the best gold paint option for wooden picture frames, furniture details and hardwares.
Rub ‘n Buff is a versatile and affordable option for creating a metallic finish on a variety of surfaces. It is easy to use, dries quickly, and can be used to create a range of interesting effects.
However, Rub ‘n Buff may not be suitable for all surfaces. It can be difficult to remove if you make a mistake. It’s also not recommended for surfaces that will receive a lot of wear and tear, as the finish may rub off over time.
Here’s how I used Rub n Buff to turn an old metal shelf bracket to a more brass-like one! I wanted to reserve the patina look, so I applied a think layer unevenly and loved the end result.

Here’s another example of using Rub n Buff gold paint for a gold drawer pull, from its original black finish.

Gold leaf

Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold that is used for gilding or decorating various surfaces to make it more realistic, since this is how gold finish was traditionally done on heirloom furniture.
It’s a bit difficult to apply gold leaf, to start of, the surface must be clean and dry. A small amount of adhesive is applied to the surface, and then the gold leaf is carefully placed onto the adhesive. The gold leaf is then pressed onto the surface using a soft brush or cloth, and any excess gold leaf is removed using a dry brush or cloth.
The process is repeated until the entire surface is covered with gold leaf.

One of the advantages of using gold leaf is that it creates a bright and lustrous finish that is highly reflective and durable. Gold leaf can also be used to create interesting textures and patterns, such as a crinkled or hammered effect.
Gold leaf can be used to decorate a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and even paper. It is often used in art, sculpture, furniture, and interior design to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to a space or object.
Here’s an example of applying gold leaf accent to a $1 thrifted picture frame. On top of the gold leaf, I applied dark wax, for a more aged look. Notice the gold accent has a more crackled finish and that is typical by gold leaf.
Of course you can apply gold leaf to a more even manner. It all depends on the techniques.

Antiquing gold finishes
If you’re looking to give your DIY gold finish a more antique or realistic look, dark wax can be a fantastic option. It’s a simple yet effective way to add depth and character to your piece, and it can be done in just a few steps.
First, make sure your gold finish is completely dry and clean. Then, using a wax brush or cloth, apply a small amount of dark wax to the surface. Work in small sections and apply the wax in a thin, even layer.
Next, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess wax, leaving behind a thin layer to create the antique effect. You can add more layers of wax if you’d like, just be sure to wipe off any excess each time.
Finally, use a clean cloth to buff the surface to a shine. And that’s it! With just those simple steps, you can add a beautiful antique patina to your DIY gold finish and make it look more authentic and aged, something I like to do a lot when I add a gold touch to my DIY!
Here’s what those wood trims look like after I applied dark wax on right half. You can see it turns the gold color to a darker and warmer tone.

Which one should you choose?
Gold spray paint, Rub ‘n Buff, and gold leaf are all used to create a gold finish on a variety of surfaces. However, they differ in terms of their application, finish, and level of durability. Here is a comparison of the three:
Finish:
- Gold spray paint creates a smooth, even and shiny finish that is ideal for modern or contemporary designs.
- Rub ‘n Buff creates a metallic finish with a subtle texture that is ideal for antique or vintage designs.
- Gold leaf creates a bright and lustrous finish that is highly reflective and durable. It can create interesting textures and patterns, depending on how it is applied.
Durability:
- Gold spray paint is durable and long-lasting, but it may chip or scratch over time.
- Rub ‘n Buff is less durable than spray paint and may require occasional touch-ups.
- Gold leaf is the most durable option, as it is resistant to fading, tarnishing, and other forms of damage.
The choice between gold spray paint, Rub ‘n Buff, and gold leaf will depend on the specific project and desired outcome.
Gold spray paint is ideal for creating a smooth and modern finish, while Rub ‘n Buff is ideal for creating an antique or vintage look. Gold leaf is the most durable option, but it requires a high level of skill and precision to apply.


Best gold finish product compared summary
Creating a gold finish can be simple and affordable depending on the method used and the size and complexity of the project. The best gold paint products mentioned above are widely available at craft stores and online, making them easily accessible.
Now, of course, the cost of your project will vary depending on a few factors. The size and complexity of what you’re working on will play a role, as will the specific method you choose to use.
But with such a wide variety of products available, there’s bound to be an option that fits your budget. So go ahead and add some glitz and glam to your next DIY endeavor!
DIY project with gold paint applied
DIY kitchen shelf with mug holder
Thrifted picture frame makeover
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Hi!! can I apply gold leaf over polyurethane clear coat? Y want my night stand to look matte, but the gold leaf to look glossy. So I was planning to apply the gold leaf after coating.
thanks a lot!
Great article comparing gold finish products! As a gold leafing professional, I appreciate your insights on gold spray paint, Rub ‘n Buff, and gold leaf. Your examples of DIY projects are inspiring. For those interested in professional gold leafing services, check out our website at https://goldsilverleafing.com/gold-leafing/ . We can help elevate your projects with expert gold leafing techniques.
What brand and exact colors are each of those products? Thank you.