Creating Faux Bronze Hardware in 3 Easy Steps

Today, we’re creating faux bronze hardware in 3 easy steps!

I’ve been spending a good portion of the past few weeks painting as we pull togther the last of the master bedroom refresh ideas.

The two pieces I had been dreading most were the large ten drawer dresser and mirror which were both black.

I’m not even gonna lie, it took FOREVER to cover up the black paint. 2 full days and part of a third because I could not get the color right.   I told my bestie S I felt like a 90 year old woman – because everything hurt ?

Thankfully, the mirror is currently on the table in the breakfast nook and as soon as it dries, I’ll be able to share more.

Since all of the pieces of furniture in the bedroom are in great shape we’ve decided to just give them fresh coats of paint instead of replacing them all together.

We’ve also been adding a bit of rustic charm to the hardware mixing some of the original knobs with new knobs we found on sale at Hobby Lobby.

Unfortunately, I realized after I brought the new knobs home they looked almost black.  But what I needed was something with a vintage-inspired vibe.

In addition, the hardware had to complement the old back plate that the new knobs didn’t have.

So, I got out my stash of Rub n’ Buff and a bit of dark paste wax and set about trying to marry the two pieces.

Here’s a look at how we created a faux rubbed bronze look in 3 easy steps…

This is what the original hardware for all the matching bedroom furniture pieces looked like.

They’re not bad at all but I didn’t want all the knobs to match. Plus, I wanted something with a little more detail.

I found these knobs on sale at Hobby Lobby and knew they would be a perfect fit.

As I shared above, once I got home I realized they were too dark for the paint colors we had planned.

I’ve used Rub n’ Buff in Antique Gold and dark was many times in the past.  It’s a really pretty way to “age” something new.

If you’ve never used this stuff before, you need just a tiny amount on your finger or a brush at a time.

A little definitely goes a long way.

After the antique gold was dry and set, I added the next layer which was Annie Sloan Dark Furniture Paste Wax.

I put a small amount on my finger and rubbed the wax into the Antique Gold.

Keep in mind, the harder you rub in the wax the more likely you’ll also risk wiping away a bit of the Rub n’ Buff.

In addition, if the color is still looks too gold for you, you can also layer on black wax.

Truthfully, you really don’t need a lot of black wax either. Just enough to add that third layer of color.

Also don’t let the wax clump because it will flake off the knob or back plate. You really want to work the wax into the hardware with a wax brush, if possible.

Keep in Mind…

Allow all the wax layers to harden before securing them to the dresser as they could scratch easily.

I let these sit overnight and they still got a nicked a bit which is to be expected.

While I was creating faux bronze hardware in 3 easy steps for the back plates, I also decided to use the same technique for the knobs.

These are the knobs that will go on the dresser and armoire…

and these are the knobs for the nightstand.

All in all, I feel like things are finally coming together.  We’re still waiting on a a few last minute change things to arrive. But I know it won’t be long until even the smallest detail has been completed which is exciting!

Let us know if you try creating faux bronze hardware in 3 easy steps too or if you have any other aging techniques you love!

(*This post was updated May 18, 2020; Original post May 2017)

Other Posts Related to This Room Makeover You Might Enjoy:

• Master Bedroom Refresh Ideas 
• Simple Nightstand Makeover in Primitive
• An Office Space for the Bedroom 
• Cleaning Wax Brushes with Ease 

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo