Can metal with "Rub n Buff" applied be polished?

[TheCivilian]

Hi, I'm currently working on a prop that has been cast in Pewter and needs to look as similar to gold as possible. I have never used Rub n Buff before and was wondering if it would be possible to polish it after applying Gold Rub n Buff. If it is possible, how much would I be able to polish it? (The final product should ideally have as close to a mirror finish as possible).

 

[Sean]

Iv'e only dabbled with Rub n Buff a bit. I have put It on metal once for a quick look see. seemed like it polished up well. but I'm going to give this a little nudge back to the top. see If we can get some expert opinions.. Help guy's. please..

 

[ghigham]

Hi - I'd suggest IMITATION GOLD LEAF - you can get a nice metallic reflective surface. It's really easy to use: You paint on the "sizing" (ie:adhesive), let it dry to tacky then press/emboss the leaf on from thin plastic sheets. It's cheap and readily available from "craft" type stores.
I've used Rub-n-Buff for years, as well as similar products - and still do, but nothing beats leafing for a true metal-finish. FYI, it's also available in copper and silver.
Also, I would not be too quick to "seal" it, as that takes the shine down a bit....you only need the adhesive and the gold-leaf sheets......George

 

[propninja]

Here's a completely different suggestion: (test first just in case) polish the pewter to a mirror finish and clearcoat it with tinted clear. If you have a good eye for color, you mix up some transparent tamyia acrylic paint to arroximate a gold hue, or try an automotive urethane clear tinted gold (actually a kind of brownish yellow). If you use Rub and Buff , then you might as well use gold paint beacuse it will look about the same. Rub and Buff is basically hard wax with metal powder mixed in, think floor wax. Just be careful polishing the pewter. Once again TEST FIRST on something you can afford to loose!