How to Update a Cheap Thrifted Figurine with Gold Rub ‘n Buff
Have you noticed all the gold and bronze accents in high-end stores this season? I was tempted to purchase a high-end gold pheasant, but the price tag gave me pause. Then, I ran across a hand-painted figurine for just $3.00 at a thrift store. Although the original paint job wasn’t bad, it was a bit tired; I instantly envisioned a chic, metallic update.
It took less than five minutes to transform this cheap thrift store find into a stunning piece for pennies. Let me show you how to update a cheap thrifted figurine with Gold Rub ‘n Buff for a modern, high-end look!
Let me show you how!
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Cheap Thrift Store Find
I’m always looking for cheap thrift store finds, and figurines are usually very good deals. Many of my finds are outdated, and I look for ways to give them a modern feel. I recently used napkin decoupage on thrift store lambs and this bunny makeover. However, when I found this hand-painted pheasant, I decided to go a different direction, and it was the easiest makeover yet.
So let’s gather our supplies, and I’ll show you what I did.
Supplies For Figurine Makeover
It’s so simple to completely update a thrifted figurine, and here’s all you need.
- Gold Leaf Rub N Buff
- European Gold Rub N Buff
- Paper Towels
- Dark Brown Wax optional
How To Prepare Figurines For A Rub N Buff Makeover
First, I cleaned the pheasant figurine with soap and water. Once dry, it was ready to add the Gold Leaf Rub N Buff. If you have never worked with Rub N Buff, you are in for a treat because it’s super easy to apply and dries almost immediately.
How To Apply Rub N Buff
I used a paper towel and squeezed a small amount of the Gold Leaf Rub N Buff onto it. Press the towel to spread the cream.
Then, begin to rub over the surface of the figurine. As you can see below, it covers easily. I used the gold leaf for just the bird.
I kept the coverage light to allow the dark texture to show through.
I decided to use the European Gold Rub N Buff on the base and leaves of the figurine. It’s slightly darker and more matte than the Gold Leaf.
Below is the updated pheasant figurine on our mantel. I love the modern feel of the pheasant but felt it was a little shiny for my taste. It would be fine to leave it as it is, but I decided to add some antiquing.
Optional: How to Antique the Thrift Store Pheasant
It only took a few minutes to add some dark brown wax over the entire surface of the figurine.
I used a paper towel and covered it with a heavy coat. Be careful to get the wax into the crevices of the figurine. I allowed the wax to sit for about 10 minutes and then rubbed it with a clean paper towel.
Below are the results of adding the wax to antique the gold finish on the pheasant.
How to Decorate with an Updated Gold Pheasant Figurine
First, I added the updated antique gold pheasant figurine to the mantel, next to another pheasant I had previously purchased. With a few brass candlestick holders, a wooden cutting board, and a dried pod, the mantel looks ready for fall.
Next, I added the updated pheasant to the dining table to form a centerpiece for fall. I placed it on a wooden riser with a white plate to ensure it didn’t disappear on the table. Next, I added some gathered pine needles and a pinecone for a rustic centerpiece.
Finally, I decided to cover the pheasant with a glass cloche and surrounded with several candlesticks for added drama.
Cheap Thrift Store Find Before & After
It’s amazing how quick and easy this transformation was. The antique gold pheasant could easily be found in a high-end decor boutique for way more than $3.00. Am I right?
FAQ
I hope you enjoyed today’s easy makeover. If you have any questions, please let me know.
