Milk paint offers a chalky and sometimes distressed finish, and it might not appear long-lasting, but it is. While it typically embodies a rustic look, it is an extremely resilient form of paint and also one of the oldest—used in cave paintings—thousands of years ago—and they exist even today.
Milk paint does not contain any toxic components and is water-based and environmentally friendly. It is made of natural ingredients—such as casein (milk protein), clay and lime. Since milk paint does not use binders, solvents, and a wide range of additives like other paint varieties do—it is very safe for applying indoors and does not release odours and fumes.
Milk paint is available in powdered form and is combined with water before application. Here’s everything you need to know about milk paint before using it.
Milk paint offers a more distressed and chippier finish than chalk paint. It needs to be mixed with water before application, whereas chalk paint is ready to use and does not require mixing. Both varieties of paint dry quickly and exude low to no-odour.
Milk paint is available in many varieties and releases low to no VOC (volatile organic compounds)—meaning—it is a safe, eco-friendly alternative that is ideal for indoor painting. However, latex paint needs sanding before application, based on what type of surface you are dealing with. It comes in many finishes—from a matte finish to a glossy appearance.
Milk paint does not contain harmful chemicals and fumes. Therefore, this alternative to chemical paint is perfect for indoor painting. You can use milk paint to add a splash of vibrant colours to your old furniture, children’s old toys or earthen pots and vases. If you get it on your skin while painting, don't worry because it will not irritate your skin.
One of the most important aspects you should consider before applying the paint on a surface is the mixing requirements. As we have mentioned earlier, milk paint comes in powder form and should be mixed with water before use.
The optimal ratio for mixing is one part powdered paint with one part water to achieve a brilliant paint appeal. But you have to keep adding water to the paint until you get the desired consistency for your specific project.
After combining water with milk paint, allow the concocted paint to sit for 20 minutes. Even after you start painting your project, continue blending the paint with water after 20 minutes—to retain the desired consistency.
While some varieties of paint require 24-48 hours to dry completely, milk paint has a quick dry time—30 to 60 minutes are all you need. Regardless, you should play it safe and allow four hours to dry before you decide to rest on your freshly milk-painted stool.
Mishaps occur, even when you are carefully protecting your painting area and all its surfaces from paint smudges, splashes, and droplets. But the good news is that stains caused by this water-based paint formula can be removed easily from hard surfaces, skin and garments.
One of the greatest advantages of this eco-friendly paint variety is that it helps add patina and character to many different types of surfaces. It offers a stunning chipped texture, and if your current painting project focuses on finding beauty in imperfection—look no further than this water-based paint. It can be applied on almost every surface, but the finished look of the paint will alter accordingly.
Milk paint can be used on furniture, and to ensure less chipping and a better finish, you have to sand the surface of the item before application. You can also paint floors, walls and decor items if you are trying to replicate a distressed appeal.
Milk paint ensures superior durability and is resistant to chipping and scratches. Apart from its stunning patina-like appeal, milk paint does not generate toxic fumes—and is environmentally friendly.
