Hints and Tips
 For Marx® Train Operators

Indeed this stuff is so useful that it caused me to break my resolution to boycott anything with 'n in the title.

Buffing paste is a wax that contains pigment or metallic powders. It is available in silver and several shades of gold, as well as other colors.

It buffs up to a bright metallic shine. This surface does not reflect true images, like a mirror or actual plating does, but comes close, resembling a plated part with some playwear.

The paste buffs to a hard finish, but can be completely removed with a tissue and lighter fluid.

How to Do It

Squeeze a small dab of buffing paste onto a soft cloth or paper towel or facial tissue. Don't use too much.

Rub the item with the paste until it is smoothly covered with a thin layer. Let this dry for a few minutes.

Buff the item with a clean soft cloth or tissue. The longer you buff, the brighter it gets. A buffing wheel or a cup-shaped wire brush in a variable speed motor tool at low speed can get the surface even shinier.
(Always wear eye protection when using a motor tool. Wire brushes require special care, since they frequently send fine wire bristles flying off in any direction. Motor Tool Tips.)

If necessary, repeat the application and buffing process.

Clean up any paste that got on the wrong parts with tissue and lighter fluid or mineral spirits.

AVAILABILITY
The most common brand of metallic buffing paste seems to be Rub'nBuff. It is available at art supply stores and craft stores such as Michaels, MJD, and Hobby Lobby. A given store may not carry the full range of colors, but colors can be mixed. My supplier does not carry a copper color, but 'Gold Leaf' mixed with a small amount of 'Ruby' does a reasonable job of simulating it.

You can also order online; Dick Blick has an approximate but useful color chart for popular Rub'nBuff colors. There is a full color chart at the Amaco site (the manufacturer).