Our Old Fashioned MILK PAINT is a re-creation of the ancient MILK PAINT formula used for centuries before the sale of commercially made paints. It is an authentic finish for use in the restoration of antiques or in the reproduction of antique furniture. It comes in rich colors that are durable and do not fade. Also, since our real MILK PAINT is made from elements that pre-date the use of petrochemicals and other toxic bases and solvents, it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and odor-free when dry. Our MILK PAINT is preferred by custom furniture builders, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, do-it-yourselfers, and those who are sensitive to the need to protect the environment.
Applications
Our MILK PAINT is used to achieve an authentic “old look” for furniture, floors, cupboards, woodwork, walls, signs, toys, and stenciling. It penetrates into all clean, porous (unfinished) surfaces. Mixed with our EXTRA-BOND*, it will also adhere to just about any nonporous surface. With a clear topcoat to seal the painted surface, it can be used for furniture subject to fingerprints and spills. For surfaces expected to receive heavier wear, we recommend using a heavy-duty topcoat. An oil or solvent-based sealer is recommended for kitchen cabinets as acrylics may not protect against certain kitchen oils such as grease splatters and olive oil spills. Our MILK PAINT is used by artists and craftsmen to create decorative results that cannot be achieved with other paints. The dead flat, uneven, grainy/mottled look is quite distinctive. Our MILK PAINT is also used for interior walls, floors and woodwork in homes, offices and public areas used by people allergic or otherwise sensitive to chemically based paints.
Milk Paint Advantages
Produces an authentic Colonial or Shaker finish
Environmentally safe, non-toxic and anti-bacterial
Dead flat finish
Fast drying
Comes in deep rich colors
Colors can be blended, by the user, to produce many tints and shades
Easily cleaned up with water
Adheres to almost all clean, porous surfaces
Non-flammable
Solvent free
Odorless when dry
Longest lasting paint known
Permanent colors; will not fade
Physical Characteristics
State: Dry Powder
Mixing Medium: Water
Mixing Temperature: Mixes best with warm water
VOC’s: None – entirely solvent free
Thinner: Water
Non-Flammable
Non-Combustible
Environmental Safety: Biodegradable and non-toxic
Drying Time: Dry to the touch, 30 mins. To re-coat, wait two hours. Cures and hardens over time
Odor: Faint milky odor when wet, odorless when dry
Colors: Old Fashioned Milk Paint & Farmhouse Finishes Safe Paint come in 20 historical colors + 12 new colors added in 2021. Also available as a translucent base to which pigment can be added for an infinite variety of hues, tones and shades. Our Sweet Pickins Milk Paint is considered our boutique line and features an additional 22 colors.
Available Sizes
One Pint – 8 oz. powder, plus water
Covers approximately 35 square feet
One Quart – 16 oz. powder, plus water
Covers approximately 75 square feet
Simple to Use
Mix: Measure about equal amounts of water and powder into separate containers. The one pint package contains about 1-1/2 cups of powder, and when mixed with 1-1/2 cups of water it will make about 1 pint of paint. (Note: warm water helps.)
Apply: Apply with a dry brush, roller or spray gun. Natural bristle brushes are fine, but foam brushes may require less effort and leave fewer brush marks. Milk paint is naturally somewhat streaky in color. This is normal. The most even color is achieved by spraying. Next best for evenness is by roller application. Again, you may find that foam rollers are easier to control. For spraying, paint should be a little thinner than for brushing, and should be strained. Spray with conventional spray equipment at about 30 lbs. pressure. Adjust pressure and nozzle to get a good paint film, not dry and not runny. With a little practice you should be able to spray a Windsor chair in about 3 or 4 minutes. Remember always wear proper protection when spraying any paint.
Clean Up: Clean all tools now with water and a Scotch-brite pad so that the paint doesn’t dry on them.
Mixing Tips
Small Amounts: When mixing small containers of the paint by hand it is easiest to make a paste of the powder with some of the water and stir until smooth, like making gravy, using a rubber spatula or paint stick. Then gradually add more water until you reach the desired consistency. It is always recommended to add water to your container 1st and then the powder. This greatly reduces the clumping of powder and makes it easier to mix.
 
Best Used Fresh:Milk paint is always best mixed up fresh. If you happen to have leftover paint, or need to wait a day to finish your project you may keep any unused paint in a sealed container in the refrigerator (even plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band is fine). It keeps best if mixed on the thinner side, even with a thin layer of water put on top of the paint mixture. Being true to the original formulas we do not add unnatural preservatives or extenders to our paint and due to its organic nature it can thicken and gel up over time, so it is best to mix up what you plan to use that day if possible. Any unused powder can be stored indefinitely in an airtight container such as a jar.