How To Easily Update Metal Decor To Match Your New Style

Do you have a decor item in great shape that just doesn’t fit the room’s style? You can use a very simple method to change your metal finishes in no time at all!

hand holding rag with gold on it in front of mirror.

Our Before Silver Mirror

When we decided to redo our bathroom, we had a mirror that was in excellent condition but didn’t match the current gold fixtures we were adding to our space. Find out how you can easily change the metal finish without using spray paint.

Supplies You’ll Need

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Deglosser – optional to prep surface
Painter’s Tape – optional
Rub and Buff
Rag – old cut-up T-shirts work great
Gloves

tube of rubb and buff, rag, and painter's tape.

What is Rubb and Buff?

Rubb and Buff is an oil-based metallic finish for metal, ceramic, and other surfaces. It is available in a variety of colors. The color we used was Antique Gold.

How To Change A Metal Finish Without Spray Paint

If this method did not work, we planned to use gold spray paint. However, we wanted to try using Rub and Buff first.

Clean Metal Surface – Depending on the condition of your metal decor, you can wipe it down with a degreaser or clean it with dish soap.
Tape Out Areas – For our project, that meant taping out the mirror surface.
Apply Rub and Buff – Once your metal surface is dry apply a small amount of Rub and Buff to a rag and rub on your metal.
Let Dry & Buff – Let your metal dry and rub to a luster.
Apply Second Coat (If needed) – I needed to add a second coat in some areas for an even metal appearance.

Before and After

The best part about this easy DIY is that it only took 5 minutes. Taping the frame out was the hardest part.

silver mirror before and gold frame after.

Tips

Use large sweeping motions if you want an even coat.
You can always let dry and add extra Rubb and Buff once it is dry.
Let your item fully dry before moving it.

More Bathroom DIY Projects

We took a few bathroom projects to makeover this space and others in our home.

mirror hanging on wall with gold frame and gold faucet.

Hopefully, this post will have you rethinking the next time you think you need to buy a new home decor item to fit your style. Sometimes, a $5 bottle can do the trick for you.