A Guide to Milk Paint |
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Milk Paint is an organic, environmentally friendly paint that has been used for thousands of years. This water based paint is made up of all natural ingredients such as clay, milk, lime, and pigment. The durability of Milk Paint makes it last for hundreds of years if protected from any elements. Milk Paint can transform any furniture into a vintage-antique style. Its decorative finish produces an intense depth of colour and low luster. It comes in many colours and is easy to mix to create the perfect shade. The texture of the paint creates a distressed appearance with rather a matte, velvet, or chalky finish. Milk Paint is the perfect DIY option for a natural furniture restoration! Its biodegradable formula is safe for children, pets, and the environment! And its rustic appearance creates the most beautiful vintage homeware.
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History of Milk Paint
Milk Paint has been used for as long as 6,000 years, having been discovered in ancient cave paintings. It gets its name from its ingredients, with it being made from natural milk protein. However in 1935, a new formula was created. This still included the milk protein however it added synthetic rubber and styrene. Also known as the first latex paint. Nowadays, there are many formulas for milk paint, however all natural ingredients are the most popular versions.
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How To Use Milk Paint |
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No prior sanding or priming is necessary when using Milk Paint. However sanding is recommended as it helps clean the surface and create better grip for the paint to stick to. Milk Paint can be applied to nearly any surface! Such as wood, glass, drywall, plastic, plaster, or metal. These surfaces can be both indoor and outdoor, such as furniture or walls! Milk Paint can be applied directly onto a surface that is raw or previously painted on.
Milk Paint is purchased as a powder and activated by adding water. Begin with applying two to three coats in order to get the best coverage. It is important to use a fine grit sandpaper or buff in between each coat for smoothness, not adhesion. However if you are looking for an aged/distressed appearance, do not sand. Make sure to remove any dust in between coats as well. Using rather a roller brush or bristle brush for application. To avoid a streaky paint job, avoid a natural bristle brush as this will absorb the water from the paint leaving it thick and tacky. Let each coat dry before applying the next. This non-toxic paint will take about 2-4 hours to dry for each coat. Natural homemade Milk Paints typically expire rather quickly within a day or so however newer formulas are able to last as long as two weeks after being mixed.
Milk Paint does require minor aftercare as it is a porous paint. Porous paint means that it acts as a barrier to liquids however vapor can still pass through and cause damages. In order to protect your paint job from damage, a sealer is needed which will keep water, dirt or other contaminants from ruining it. An oil wax is recommended as a top coat for Milk Paint as it is non toxic and all natural. As well, for appearances, use a fine grit sandpaper and top with a finishing oil or wax to get a perfectly smooth surface. The biggest difference between Milk Paint and regular paint is that Milk Paint is water based. This means that the paint soaks into its surface whereas regular paint sits on top. That way you can apply thinner coats which dry faster!
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Milk Paint Table
Milk Paint Powder Mix
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Overview |
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Milk Paint is a long standing natural option when it comes to paint. Having been used for thousands of years, its organic components are a classic biodegradable option. Available in nearly every colour, this paint dries to a distressed vintage appearance unless sanded down for a smoother finish. This paint is a great non-toxic alternative for your DIY projects, whether it be repainting the furniture, the walls, or a decorative craft! Milk Paint offers a beautiful, safe, and easy painting experience for those of any skill level.
Pros Cons |
- All Natural - Non toxic and biodegradable!
- Minimal Prep - Only needs to be sanded if you want a smooth finish!
- Water-Based - Resists UV and retains colour quality!
- Inexpensive - Costs about $25 a quart
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- Needs To Be Mixed - You have to prepare it yourself
- Long Drying Times - About 2-4 hours in between each coat
- Needs To Be Sealed - Without a seal, Milk Paint is easily damaged
- Doesn't Last Long - After being mixed, Milk Paint only lasts for a few days or weeks at most
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Close up of Milk Painted Dresser
Before and After Dresser
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