DIY Rub N' Buff and Dollar Tree Valentines Day Projects

[@geordiecanuck2696]

A quick tip: If you mash it together on a glass plate (Dollar Tree), you won't lose any to the plastic board. Thanks for this. I use finishing wax with mica powder, which is phenomenal but gets expensive. The shoe polish is genius!

[@catherinewilliams3850]

I was thinking the same, great video though.

[@mandypayne5082]

I don't usually take the time to comment on videos however, your video is simply outstanding. You are very down to earth and extremely honest about whatever you can genuinely help people with. I want to say thank you and big thumbs up as your video has helped me with a number of projects I am currently working on. Cheers Mandy Brisbane Australia

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate it.

[@boroughgal4146]

Fab idea and especially storing in a pill box. Would never have thought of this.

[@deborahharris2962]

Watching your video reminded me of when I was in Bali, Indonesia. The young hawkers bought carvings at the local market, then bring them back to the beach hut they sold out of, and proceed to use dark shoe polish to shine the carvings. I think they said it made the wood look like ebony, . I still have the carving I bought and it shines to this day, never waxed it again only been dusted. I never would have thought of this until here. Thank you for the research and sharing. I will definitely be making and using this everywhere.

[@lorrym8662]

Brilliant thanks so much

[@robinwilson9537]

OMG YOU'VE MADE MY DAY BRAVO GIRL

[@eliseintheattic9697]

🙂 And now you've made mine! Thanks so much.

[@happywifecraftssuzie6432]

I love this!! Thanks for all of the research!! I left a message on another KZbin channel, they copied your idea and didn’t give u the credit.

[@maiko60]

Great Job, thank you!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're very welcome. 👍

[@pan6545c]

Elise I tried this and I am blown away! Thank you so much. After I buff it a little , it actually shines and does not come off. Keep up the good work. Thank you! I tried it also with eye shadow and it works just the same as Perfect Pearls.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thanks Penelope, I'm so glad it worked for you!

[@yvonnehuth8561]

Thank you for sharing I'm a new subscriber

[@lindalary7760]

Love this!!!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thank you, glad you found it helpful. 🙂

[@angelamcdonagh1026]

Thankyou I look forward to watching more of your videos ⭐️⭐️⭐️👍

[@roberthayes8246]

Thank you for doing the work to come up with this hack! ☺️

[@servergeekwow9422]

Good information!! Thanks for sharing this. Brilliant!!

[@catherinewilliams3850]

Very impressed with your video, can't wait to try this.

[@appleoneill5135]

Fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing this xx 😘

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. I'm so happy you found it useful.

[@tracybaker9193]

What an awesome video, I didn't have any shoe polish but I went for a rummage in my box of polishes, found a tin of Hampshire Sheen, which is made up of carnauba wax primarily, I don't even recall buying it if I'm honest lol made 12 beautiful coloured pastes! Thank you for sharing, you're an awesome individual!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

HI, sorry this reply is so late. Thank you so much for your kind and glowing comment. Some months later I hope you've found good use for your new colors. 👍

[@MsTJPink]

@@eliseintheattic9697 Hello! Yes, very much so! I've made several batches to date ☺️

[@confidencebykay]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you for being amazing 👏

[@dinagallal8246]

You’re the best , I tried it the shoe wax with eyeshadow and it worked perfectly , I even used it with brush and it gave amazing look to my plaster embellishment , thank you so much

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. I'm so glad it worked for you.

[@mariad4183]

yay...thank you for your input

[@annettebecker9719]

You answered my question

[@Martbez1]

AAAH, thank you! Can't wait to try it.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Hope you find it useful.

[@ryanbaptiste249]

I can't get hold of Rub n' Buff easily or cheaply in Europe, so this is of great help… thanks Elise!

[@TIAG0MAGALHAES]

did you try?

[@alanalendvay6131]

FANTASTIC!!! so easy - saves a lot of money, too! I have so many weekly pill containers. Great info.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@fionamccauley2627]

Thank you for a great tip always looking for DIY methods for those expensive items and yours is a blast and will absolutely give it a try and I have made my own chalk paint in the past and like you have followed methods from other lovely youtubers with easy to folloe demos like yours xx Fiona from the UK

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@Mogu003]

You're a godsend. Thanks a bunch!

[@georginaledlie7444]

Brilliant ! Thank you so much.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful. 👍

[@georginaledlie7444]

@@eliseintheattic9697 Very, very helpful. Thank you again.

[@blahblahblah1302]

Thank you so much for this. this is going to save me a lot of money and I can make different colors.

[@jennifermangrum7287]

Thank you so much for the awesome video. I made it and used it, and it is an awesome product which saved me money and time driving 2 hours to the closest craft store. Just an FYI I looked up ingredients for shoe polish and found Carnauba wax was a main ingredient. Anyone that waxes their vehicles with Turtle wax guess what the main wax’s are in the ingredients? Carnauba wax and beeswax. Wink! Have an awesome day.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. So glad you found it helpful.

[@christineanderson4643]

I was going to suggest the same!

[@tiprogers3887]

Excellent demo

[@tinajones4015]

Very pretty

[@JuliLovesPaper]

Amazing work. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@roguestorm2769]

Thank you! Gonna try it! Love DIYing my DIYs LOL

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Me too! I hate spending more than I have to.

[@tiprogers3887]

Very good tutorial

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it useful.

[@dinagallal8246]

That’s so genius thank you so much

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

Thanks for the info

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@Rootsofjoy]

This is incredible! Much appreciated!

[@natepierce6642]

Awesome! Thank you

[@Womanofsmallwinds]

Thank you very much😊

[@mariad4183]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing! xoxo

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're so welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@weldmama]

you could possibly do a whole tray of different rub'buffs by putting the shoe polish in little pie dishes along with the pigments and heating them in the oven to melt them then pouring them into the pill boxes. could maybe also add a small amount of furniture wax if you want a softer product?? I'm going to give this a go i think , thank you for posting!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've never tried that, but it might work. The polish is very soft so it wouldn't take much heat to melt it. Please let me know your results. I'd be curious to know.

[@dollpartz4u]

Awesome!!!

[@mademoisellem3529]

Thank you for this. I’m after making a small batch of a specific colour of gilding wax (turquoise). This is the answer. How does it dry down? Does it move? Greetings from the sunny Gold Coast, Australia.

[@izzyjones7108]

U can get little containers of mica eyeshadow at dollar stores and save even more vs perfect pearls.

[@chrissylove1739]

I just asked this to myself & your comment answered. 😂😂😊❤

[@jesscanela]

Thank you so much for this. In Mexico they don’t sell rub and buff, shipping is not fast and wth with the price???? So this is soooooo helpful I’m so thankful for you and your brain. Thank you!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're welcome. I'm happy to know you found it useful.

[@georginaledlie7444]

This is amazing. Thank you so much.

[@melissafancelli-cox9313]

😊My second comment tonight. So, I found you when looking to make guilders wax. I saw a few and this is best. The Karuba wax is so great and scientific that you figured that out! Many used clear Elmer's glue and food coloring, one lady used coconut oil and oil pastels. Which were my favorite until I saw yours. So,I am needing a clear wax and need to figure out what to use for a variety of colors. I alsomsaw food coloring, mica,and others. What do you think? Its for mixes media, I bought Wiltons Gel food coloring. Which are more expensive up front, but the online site has so many color combos. Tim holtz sells alcohol ink sprays they are upwards of $8 dollars a spray bottle.I made mine with 90% isopropol alcohol. I got dollar tree travel spary bottles and they are so pretty. I also have the Same plastic pump i put alcohol in.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thanks, glad you found it helpful. I did see a few other videos but the ones I watched were for paper, and that just wasn't going to work. I haven't tried any liquids so I'm not sure how they would work. It might be a bit thin for highlighting raised areas like in the video, but you can always try it. If you do, please let me know how it turned out. I'd be curious to know.

[@laura-janerose6116]

Thank you for a great tutorial. Couple of questions: does it go hard keeping it in the pill container (as it's not airtight)? And does it dry hard like real Rub n Buff or does it stay waxy? Thanks. Laura in Australia :)

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thank you, and yes, to both questions. I didn't realize when I made this video that the pill container wouldnt work for long-term storage. If it dries out it can be restored by cutting more wax into it, but probably better to use an airtight container. And yes, it does dry hard. It can take a while, but it is hard and durable.

[@MissMolly3377]

Carnuba wax is also used in some car waxes. I have heard people have used that. I have been wondering about shoe polish for projects, because I have about 10 containers from my uncle, who died about 20 years ago....and let me tell you, the stuff doesn't go bad, it is all still like brand new. I suspect it is the container it is in. I have heard to keep these holding waxes in a metal container, also, so I wonder if this is the reason.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Yes, it's the same stuff. I've never tried it though. The shoe wax I used is some I bought at estate sales. It does last forever.

[@sherylldupuis6323]

Omg. I just started etching glass and checked out rub n buff… wow. expensive. On a strict budget so This is such a game changer.. would you or anyone happen to know how long it would last on the etch before washing off. Thank you so much for this great video …. your projects are so pretty. 🥰. Now l can make my projects for my family christmas presents. 😃. Hugs. 😘💕❤️🇨🇦

[@eliseintheattic9697]

You're so kind. Thank you so much for the compliments and I'm glad you found the video useful. I have only used it on glass that is used for decorative purposes. I don't know how long it will last on anything that is washed in hot water. Since the base is wax, I would expect the heat to melt the wax and wash it away. If you try it, let me know and I'll update my info.

[@sherylldupuis6323]

Thank you for the response. Will be sure to get back to you when l try this. Hugs❤️🇨🇦

[@christineanderson4643]

If you use a little sealant over it I would imagine that it would last quite a long time

[@tiarashaboykin9148]

@@sherylldupuis6323 did you get to test it out I’m looking to use it the same way

[@sherylldupuis6323]

@@tiarashaboykin9148 Hello. I looked for the kiwi polish where l live and couldnt find it I saw other pastes , but bk. and brown…. Not what l wanted. I am going to look on amazon to see if l can find when on my next order. So hope you have better luck than me. 🥰❤️

[@CharleyFelino]

This sounds great but what about the smell and will rub off and stain things? will it work on glass or glossy nonporous surfaces?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

The smell is negligible and as the oils dry, it doesn't smell at all. It will not rub off once it has cured. Similar to using oil paint. It won't work on glass that is handled a lot, but might on glass that is just decorative, such as a candle holder or vase. However you would have to etch the surface in some way. I don't think you could put it on a smooth surface.

[@CharleyFelino]

Thank you for responding to my questions. @@eliseintheattic9697

[@PriyaGupta-se3jb]

Hi.. This looks great! Can this be used on surfaces which need washing with water, like water bottles?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Unfortunately no, it wouldn't work for that. It's pretty tough once it dries, but it wouldn't withstand washing.

[@nothingworksworks3511]

I just made a beautiful hand soap dispenser w a metal plastic spout that I covered in pewter rub n buff, now it looks like silver. I put it in a kombucha drink jar that is amber brown. Now it looks like a vintage apothecary concoction. Point is, how does this work on metal?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I'm not sure. I've only used it on decor pieces. I'm curious though, especially after you mentioned how well Rub n Buff worked. Let me know if you try it. 😉

[@SKSVideoGuy]

I liked This video on rub n buff. Can you tell me how do you get it out of your clothes, fingers, and brushes?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Fingers and brushes should come clean with mineral spirits or any kind of paint thinner. As far as clothes are concerned, I'm not sure. Try googling "how to remove shoe polish stain" and see if there is any good advice there. I'd recommend wearing old clothes or an apron because I think it would be pretty tough to get out of clothes.

[@brucebcooll5335]

Great tutorial Elise. How do you protect the items from the rub and buff smearing off?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

That's the best part. It will harden and you don't have to worry about it smearing.

[@whichcraft8756]

this is great. would the eye shadow powders from DT work?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've never actually use eye shadow, but I assume it would work. I recommend testing it on something to we how it does.

[@RoeRoe123]

I'm going to try this with Johnson's paste wax. Only because that's all I have right now.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Let me know if it works. I've never tried it.

[@tiprogers3887]

If you did the mixing on wax paper it might be easier?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

That's a good suggestion. Also disposable so it makes less mess. 👍

[@mumstheword8851]

Does the wax dry well? Or will it keep rubbing off onto your fingers?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

It takes a while to dry to a hard surface, but once it does, it will no longer rub off. That's what the carnuba wax does. It's a hard wax. It can easily be scraped or scratched off, so don't use it one something that will be scrubbed or wiped down repeatedly, like a tabletop or cabinets. It's great for things like picture frames or furniture detail.

[@annettebecker9719]

Could you use mica powder or even eye shadow to tint the wax?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Mica powder is what I used. I don't know about eye shadow because it has fillers, but it's inexpensive enough to experiment with. If you do, let me know. I be interested in the results.

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

Something to know about perfect pearls it has an adhesive in it like gum Arabic or something. It's also water reactive. It's meant for paper and wood

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Thanks for the information. Maybe I'll try a variety of mineral pigments and see how they hold up.

[@Christine-777]

Hi Miss Elise! This is so ingenious; you've got my mind racing with additional ideas! Thank you for sharing this. New subscriber. 🥰 Have you made your vlog on your chalk paint, yet? I was unable to locate it. Thank you, again, ma'am! 💕 Much appreciation from Texas. 🥰💕

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Hi, thanks so much for your compliments. Im glad you found this useful. Unfortunately I've had to put videos on the back burner for personal reasons. I am hoping to get that video made soon as well as show off my remodeled workshop.

[@Christine-777]

@@eliseintheattic9697Miss Elise, How kind of you to respond. I hope and pray everything in your life resolves favorably in the very near future. ☺️🥰💕 And, huge, heartfelt congratulations on your new workshop!! 💕💕

[@luzeeq]

Wow! Is this permanent and does it work on metals?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@luzeeq It will cure to a very hard surface but it's not 100% durable. It can be worn off it is is on a surface that gets constant use. It can be used on metal. You would want to lightly sand it to make the surface more porous. Also keep in mind the use. If it's a drawer handle you use daily, it will wear off.

[@yasserabdulkadir7420]

Nice useful video. Thank you. Do you think that microwaving the shoe polish will make mixing easier?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've never tried it, but it probably would. I'll have to try that next time. In fact, I have some that dried up, maybe that would soften it hmmm...

[@monevawalker1676]

Does it work on etched glass

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@monevawalker1676 It depends on whether it will need to be washed, like a glass or pitcher. If it's purely decorative, like a vase or picture frame glass, it should work. It takes time to harden and become permanent, but after that it doesn't smear or rub off easily.

[@oldasa]

I'm wondering if maybe one drop of odorless mineral spirits might soften to more of a paste. Also this closed cell polyethylene weather stripping $4 at Home depo yields a lifetime of application brush perfect for dobbin and buffing it out when dry. Saves your fingers. LOL

[@rosemarywilliams5136]

Can you make different colors of rub and buff like blue red green

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I haven't tried it, but I think it would work. You could use Perfect Pearl's or any brand of mica powder, or even eye shadow to test it.

[@hollym73e]

I can't wait to try this! Do you know if it works on etched glass?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

It might work on the etched part, but I don't think it would withstand washing. If it was just for decor, and isn't going to be scrubbed or go in the dishwasher, it might work.

[@annettebecker9719]

Can you use this on etched glass

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've never tried it myself but quite a few people have asked. If you have a piece of scrap glass I'd try it on that first. It will probably not withstand washing, but I think it would hold up on a decorative piece.

[@titao61]

Thank you so much! I was just wondering if there is any color pigment I can use to make a non metallic color?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Most inexpensive pigments are mineral based so they are metallic. You can buy paint pigments but they are kind of pricey. I know because I also paint with soft pastels and I priced pigments because I wanted to save money making my own pastels. As an experiment you might try using pastels. There are some inexpensive sets available on Amazon. You would just use a file or sandpaper to shave off the pastel and then use the powder. Let me know what you come up with. Always looking for new and less expensive ways to do creative things.

[@monicatrevino8520]

I have a question. What would you use this version of rub and buff? I made it for etched glass and it rubs right off.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've had a lot of people ask about etched glass. I've never tried it on it. I don't think it would work on anything you plan to use, but if it's purely decorative, try letting it cure without touching it. I used it on wood and painted (chalk paint) items, like a picture frame. I use it to sdd a metallic accent to the raised parts.

[@monicatrevino8520]

Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate you.

[@mitchellradspinner4491]

Attempted to do this with brass powder and had issues with it consistently clumping and flaking off when dried. Is it as simple as just too much powder?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I've never had a problem with it flaking. It's possible it was too much powder. Add more wax and ser if it responds better. What brand if powder did you use? It's possible there's some additive that doesn't mix well.

[@gavinbiddiscombe1049]

It needs something to bind with so this recipe is cool but I don't think it will last Because there nothing to bind it

[@sharon94503]

@@gavinbiddiscombe1049 the perfect pearls has a built-in binder whereas pearl-ex does not. You could try adding a tiny amount of gum arabic to the mix.

[@nzsandybeach]

Hi Elise. this looks great. gold guilda wax here in nz? $18- $25 nzd for 30 ml. this looks a good alternative. I want to use over painted wooden furniture, chalk paints etc.. Will this gold wax completely dry?. does it take a long time to dry?. and does a chalk painted wood with this used for embossing need to have a sealer over the top.. like a polyurethene? new to this. thanks for the great video ! sandy.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Glad you found it useful. Yes it works well over chalk paint. That's exactly how I used it and yes it will dry very hard. In fact when I went back to use some a year later it was all dried up hard as a rock, so if you make extra store it in something air tight. The little pill container I used wasn't good enough. I would say that a sealer should still be used. The sealer helps keep everything from flaking or being easily chipped or scratched.

[@nzsandybeach]

@@eliseintheattic9697 what do you think is the best low shine sealer?. thanks so much for quick reply.. i couldnt remember what time it is over there.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@@nzsandybeach I use a matte water based polyurethane. I'm not sure what brands you have there, but I use Minwax. It's morning here and I'm glued to my phone drinking coffee. 😁

[@nzsandybeach]

@@eliseintheattic9697 thankyou! i will look tommorrow! Im going to paint old Wooden chests into beautiful Childrens toy storage boxes. with vintage blue and pinks with a gold gilding stenciling and lettering.. feel excited. lol!

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@@nzsandybeach Sounds like a fun project. I'm so glad I could help out. 👍

[@belindascott9758]

Once the rub and buff is made do you use a dealer over it?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

No, it cures and hardens on its own.

[@belindascott9758]

Thank you Mrs Elise... I'm certainty going out tomorrow and get the products... Your information was very explaintor. Once again thank you and Be Blessed 💗

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@@belindascott9758 You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful. 👍

[@karthiganapathi407]

I have been desperately trying to have such idea and information. I want to paint on glass post etching. Can it be used and we have permanent one.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I'm not entirely sure. I put it on glass, but over chalk paint. I would recommend trying it on a practice item. The thing is, it has to cure to really be hard. If you test it one day and then check a few days later, it will probably still be somewhat soft and easy to remove. I would also recommend roughing up any surface that's slick. If you put it on the etched portion it will have a better chance of sticking. Hope that helps!

[@dinkyshopYT]

Helpful. How about mixing on a piece of glass or a rectangular small (scrap, discarded) 6-12 inch mirror from the dollar store? That we be easier to clean than on a plastic cutting board. And the materials are less likely to interact or embed in a plastic cutting board.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

That's a good idea. I didn't have any trouble mixing on the board, but I did have a little trouble cleaning it.

[@rosemarywilliams5136]

Can you make different colors of rub n buff

[@doreenwatson-read]

imagine putting this all over your shoes, nice

[@annettebecker4363]

What is the container with liquid in it for?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

That's Mineral Spirits. I use it for clean up. Sorry I forgot to mention it.

[@annettebecker4363]

@@eliseintheattic9697 thank you!

[@e8dazawk61]

Have you tested metal

[@eliseintheattic9697]

@e8dazawk61 No, I haven't. I only used it on wood, or painted surfaces.

[@annettebecker4363]

How do you apply this to etched glass?

[@carlaspecht883]

Is the metallic powder mica powder. You don't really say what the powder is. Or is it eye shadow??????

[@Spicebites99]

Assalamualaikum plz write product name how to use this method

[@kaiminamoto]

Can I use this on a painted action figure? Will it come off?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I'm not sure. I know people use rub n buff on hardware and stuff and it dries hard and won't come off. The good thing is if you experiment with a DIY version it wont cost much to try it out.

[@aidenn0de0evil01]

Does it work on aluminum?

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I have never tried it on aluminum but it would probably work. I have used it on furniture hardware over paint and I know people use Rub n Buff directly on hardware to brighten it up. It dries very hard. Might try it on a small scrap or something and see how it does. Let me know, I'm curious now.

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

What about an alternative that doesn't have a chemical smell? Right now you can't get many of these products and they're very expensive. I'm looking for an alternative to lustre wax or gilding wax. Something that's non toxic that won't absorb into my skin. Especially for card making. I don't want an oily residue on my papers and won't rub off. Sizzix or Ranger one of them has a product in itty-bitty jars that's like 6-8.00 that doesn't come in many colors. I'm going to play with mica powders, and dollar store eye shadow because they have mica in them, beeswax, coconut oil, and maybe a little stearine used in candle making. If that doesn't work going to play with palm something in the candle making section of Hobby Lobby and some gum Arabic maybe a little clear school glue. I do not like smells. Someone else suggested paste wax used in furniture. But again that's chemicals.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

I don't do card making so I'm not sure what will work for you. The carnuba wax in the shoe polish is what really hardens the gilding wax and makes it permanent. You can get Carnuba, but it's usually sold in pretty large quantities and it's kind of expensive and might leave oil on the paper. There's also a product called Gum Tragacanth used as a binder in soft pastels that might work. It's used in leather finishing and sold in smaller quantities. No smell. It's also used in cake icing paste so it's safe to ingest or get on your skin. The problem is I don't know how permanent it would be. Pastel paintings are put under glass and aren't touched or handled like a journal or paper product would be.

[@soniaweimann]

You don't talk about drying time for the wax or if it can come off or how it works pertaining to paper. Again, like drying time, etc.

[@eliseintheattic9697]

Drying time is going to depend on what you put it on. It's similar to waxes used to polish and protect furniture which are dry to touch rather quickly but can take weeks to completely harden. If you use it on paper, over chalk paint (like I did) or any other porous surface, the drying time will be faster because the oils will absorb. The slicker the surface the longer it takes to dry and harder.