I wanted to do a post just on Old Fashioned Milk Paint {OFMP} today since I know lots of folks have questions.  Milk Paint is made from all natural products {milk, protein, lime, earth pigments} so it’s “green” and enviromentally safe.

I am going to try and answer a few of the most common questions:

How do I mix Milk Paint?

Milk Paint traditionally comes in a power form {all though there is a can form that I will talk about tomorrow on the blog}.  You are to mix equal parts power and water.  Many people eyeball this but rule of thumb is one to one.  I recommend adding warm water to the power slowly and mixing as you go.  You can also use a blender.  Sometimes  I will take a tupperware container, seal and shake it.

How long does it keep?

They recommend mixing based on what you will paint that day.   However; I have mixed it and let it sit for a few days and come back to use it again.  I recommend sealing it and you can even pop it in the fridge during these hot months for a few days.

Do I need to use the Extra Bonding agent?

No, this is up to you.  I would recommend the bonding agent when you are working with slick furniture surfaces vs. wood that is exposed and will soak up the paint.  If you are painting a slick piece {1950 french provincial}  I recommend sanding 1st to open up the wood a bit.

Can the paint colors be mixed to make custom colors?

YES!  I think the best part about Milk Paint and Chalk Paint™ is the ability to make your own colors.  You can actually see how the paint has been mixed into other colors on the OFMP Facebook page.  They even give you the mix right there.  Go check out all of the options but also feel empowered to create your own color palette!  The beauty of these paint lines is that everyone can creating their own custom color line.  Don’t follow the herd create your own statement colors it will make you stand out:-)

What do I use as a top coat for Milk Paint?

You can use whatever you prefer {or nothing}.  Milk Paint will produce a nice matte finish and can be sanded with a high grit sandpaper and made to feel wondefully smooth.  OFMP recommends Vans Beeswax as a nice sealer and it give the paint a lovely luster. You can also use a wax such as Annie Sloan Wax or a traditional poly.  It all depends on what you want the finish to look like.  The below milk paint samples have a coat of Vans Beeswax on them.  I’ll be posting more pictures on finished with different top coats.

Which do you prefer, Chalk Paint™ and Milk Paint?

I don’t prefer one over the other and I’ll be adding a 3rd line of paint later this week.  It is really more about how I want that piece of furniture to turn out.  I am providing you with additional products and tools so you can have more options when refreshing furniture for yourself or your customers.  Test them out and as you play with them you will decide how they fit into your projects.

Milk Paint is less predictable than Chalk Paint™ it might flake in areas you didn’t plan {use the bonding agent to avoid this}, crack and covers differently then chalk paint.   Plus the consitency and mixing it is something to get used to BUT there are some beautiful greens, blues, BLACK and BROWN that we don’t have with Chalk Paint.  Every product has its place in your DIY arsenal!

Can I buy Milk Paint and the additional products online from Stylish Patina?

YES!  I just added them to the online shopping cart check them out here.   If you don’t see a color you want email me at Kelly@stylishpatina.com.  I have the majority of the colors and will eventually carry the full line.

Read additional details at the online brochure here!