EASY DIY: How to Refresh an Antique Mirror with Rub ‘n Buff
Give Your Vintage Find a Glamorous New Life in Under 30 Minutes
Antique mirrors have a charm you just can’t replicate with store-bought decor. But if your flea market treasure is looking more “dusty attic” than “timeless elegance,” don’t worry—you can refresh it in no time with Rub ‘n Buff, a cult-favorite metallic wax finish. Whether you’re going for antique gold, aged silver, or matte black, this DIY trick instantly updates tired frames without losing their vintage appeal.
When we remodeled our upstairs bathroom, I went searching for an ornate mirror that would complement our modern farmhouse vibe. I found the perfect candidate buried in the back corner of a local antique mall—a beautiful wooden frame with great bones, but a silvery-red finish that clashed with our gold and black hardware. Since I’d already used Rub ‘n Buff to update some vintage hardware for the space, I decided to try it on the mirror too—and it was a total game-changer.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to restore an antique mirror with Rub ‘n Buff—no sanding or special tools required.
✨ Why Use Rub ‘n Buff for Antique Mirrors?
Rub ‘n Buff is a wax-based metallic finish that adheres to wood, metal, plaster, and more. It’s perfect for updating:
- Ornate gold or silver-leafed frames
- Painted wood that’s chipped or faded
- Metal mirror frames with tarnish or rust
Benefits:
- Dries Quickly
- Quick and easy to apply
- No messy paint or primer
- Adds richness and depth, especially to detailed carvings
I ordered mine from Amazon and when I got it in the mail I was a little put off by the size of it. $10 for this tiny tube? But I needn’t have worried. This stuff is like magic. I redid several pieces of hardware and this entire mirror and only used about half of the tube.
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
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- Rub ‘n Buff (your choice of color—I used Antique Gold)
- Soft cloth, paint brush, or your finger (yes, really!)
- Painter’s tape
- Cotton swabs or small brush (optional for tight spots)
- Mild soap and water (for cleaning beforehand)
- Wood glue (optional)
- Utility knife (optional)
🪞 Step-by-Step: How to Refresh an Antique Mirror with Rub ‘n Buff
Step 1: Clean the Frame
Wipe down the entire frame with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt, oils, or dust. Let it dry completely. I also went around the frame and looked for any loose spots in the wood and secured them with wood glue.
📝 Don’t skip this step—wax won’t stick well to grime.
Step 2: Tape Off the Glass
Use painter’s tape to protect the mirror surface from wax smudges. I applied painters tape around the edges of the glass and used a utility knife to easily cut around the frame. You can also slip paper or cardstock under the frame edge if your tape doesn’t quite reach.
Step 3: Apply Rub ‘n Buff
Squeeze a tiny amount onto a cloth, finger, or cotton swab. A little goes a long way! I used a small paint brush since my frame had lots of nooks and crannies to reach.
- Rub it gently onto the frame in circular motions.
- Focus on raised details first to highlight texture.
- You can layer more product for a deeper finish or leave areas lighter for a distressed, time-worn look. I didn’t want to cover up all of the aged look, so I just applied it to the easy to reach areas.
Step 4: Buff to Shine
After the wax dries (just a few minutes), buff it with a clean cloth. This brings out the metallic sheen and sets the finish.”
Step 5: Touch Up and Reveal
Remove the tape carefully and clean any wax that got onto the mirror using a cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits or soap.
🎨 What Color Rub ‘n Buff Should I Use?
Here are some favorite colors for antique mirrors:
| Color | Best For |
|---|---|
| Antique Gold | Warm, traditional vintage frames |
| European Gold | Brighter gold, slightly cooler tone |
| Silver Leaf | Aged silver, art deco or glam vibes |
| Ebony | Matte black with subtle shine |
| Grecian Gold | Deep, rich gold with copper undertones |
🏡 Styling Your Revamped Mirror
Now that your mirror is refreshed, show it off!
- Hang it in a farmhouse-style bathroom
- Layer it on a mantel with vintage books
- Use it in an entryway for a cozy, collected look
You just gave a thrifted gem a whole new lease on life!
💬 Share your before-and-after on Instagram. Tag me @bluestemandbarnwood so I can see your beautiful transformation!
📌 Final Thoughts
Refreshing an antique mirror with Rub ‘n Buff is a fast, affordable way to bring life back to something old and beautiful. Whether you want a full-on glam moment or just a subtle metallic edge, this technique is beginner-friendly and completely customizable.
#RubnBuffDIY #AntiqueMirrorMakeover #ThriftFlip #VintageStyle #BudgetDecor
