Ikea Hack Adding Campaign Hardware to the Kallax Shelf Using Rub ‘n Buff

When I started working on my office, I knew I needed a storage piece that would hold all of my craft supplies so naturally I headed to Ikea. When I purchased the shelf and desk it was called the Expedit but now it’s called Kallax. A lot of bloggers have this storage system because it holds a lot and can be styled so beautifully. I used Rub ‘n Buff to add beautiful campaign details to the corners of the shelving and to the front of the desk.

When I originally started planning for the One Room Challenge, I looked into purchasing campaign hardware or DIYing some using brackets from the hardware store. Because the Kallax shelving is larger than most campaign hardware, it wouldn’t look right. I did find someone who specializes in making campaign hardware pieces but they wanted an ovary and two breakfast tacos (NOT HAPPENING) for custom work.

Another day, another DIY. Thankfully I had everything I needed so this project didn’t cost me a think and it helped me use of some supplies I had just sitting around. If you haven’t used Rub ‘n Buff before, I highly recommend it. It’s a pigmented wax like paint substance that covers almost any surface and offers a nice metallic finish.

Supplies Needed

Gold Leaf Rub ‘n Buff

Painters Tape

Gloves (optional… hair spray takes rub ‘n buff off of your fingers FYI)

Four nail head trim tacks per campaign corner

Hammer

Paint brush (optional)

Ruler

Instructions

First, measure the desired length of the campaign hardware. I chose to do 4.75 inches x 4.75 inches. Use the tape to tape out your design. Next, hammer the nail head trim 0.5 inches away from the tape line. You can do any measurement but I found that 0.5 inches looked best.

Using your finger or a paint brush rub a small amount of Rub ‘n Buff into the area using a circular motion. Avoid pressing too hard on the untaped edges and around the taped edges to prevent the gold from going to an undesired spot. If that happens, quickly wipe the area using a wet cloth.

If you don’t glove your fingers just know that hairspray takes Rub ‘n Buff off hands. I chose to not wear gloves because it allowed me to control the product better. Once the area is covered with one solid coat, let it dry.

Note: Don’t worry if it is bumpy, we will buff that out later. I actually like the texture it gives but that’s the magic about this project, you can do what you want.

I let the Rub ‘n Buff sit for a day before using an old cloth (a scrap of fabric from my hoard) to smooth out any rough spots. KEEP THE TAPE ON FOR THIS PART. Because the wax paint is super pigmented, some of the rubbed off bits might transfer to the unwanted area. Keeping the tape on prevents this from happening.

For the most part, I kept a lot of texture but smoothed out any stabby bits. In the end, I’m really happy with the finished results because it’s something unique added to the space…I’m one step closer to being finished with this space…I feel like it’s been dragging on FOREVER!

What projects have you been working on lately?

For more DIY projects, check out my Projects Gallery

Lura

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