Your guidebook to the popular paint case that ’s been around for millennium , including its pro and con game .
Getty Images / Isabel Pavia
One look at Milk River paint , and you might think the chalky , sometimes dysphoric finish wo n’t last . While it might take on a agrestic look depending on the coating , it is one of themost resilient paint formsand one of the oldest ; it was used thousands of class ago in cave drawing that still subsist today .
Credit:Getty Images / Isabel Pavia
Though this metre - tested formula has been around for millennia , there ’s still plenty to learn about it , peculiarly when it comes to how Milk River paint stacks up to other paint types and its pros and cons .
What Is Milk Paint?
Milk River paint is anontoxic , environmentally favorable , water - based pigment that apply natural ingredients like milk protein ( casein ) , lime , and the Great Compromiser . Because it does n’t use solvents , reaper binder , and an array of additive like many other blusher varieties , it is safe for use indoors and does n’t give off fumes and olfactory perception .
Milk River key comes in powdered form and is mixed with water just before use . While the assorted solution can be stored for up to a workweek , the powdery , sheer phase can be stored for one to two yearswithout compromise the color or formula .
Milk River paint dry out quickly after applications programme , fill just one to two hour . This paint variety show is porous , so it needs a top coat to by rights seal out dirt , water system , detritus , and other contamination .
Milk Paint vs. Other Paint Types
Milk Paint vs. Chalk Paint : Milk rouge has a chippier , more disturbed face thanchalk finish rouge . It necessitate mixing with water , whereas chalk paint comes quick to use , apart from require remixing . Both options are low- to no - odor and are quick drying .
Milk Paint vs. Oil Paint : Oil - based painthas the benefit of a indestructible , smooth culture that can be use over existing layers of oil- or water supply - based paint types . However , oil key takes considerably more fourth dimension to dry than milk pigment , demand 24 hours between each coat . compare to the environmentally well-disposed aspects of Milk River paint , oil key does n’t heap up . It emits fumes that expect suitable ventilation system wherever the paint is being applied .
Milk Paint vs. Latex Paint : Milk pigment come in miscellany that let out humble to no fickle constituent compound ( VOC ) , mean these varieties are a good alternative for indoor painting . Latex paint could require sanding before diligence , depend on the Earth’s surface , and comes in avariety of finishesranging from the matt look of a flat ending to the shiny appearance of a gloss .
Milk Paint Pros
Pro : Nontoxic and Environmentally FriendlyBecause milk paint is devoid of harmful fumes and chemicals , it is a good selection for indoor painting and forpainting toy and furnitureused by children . It also wo n’t be as irritating if it have on your cutis .
Pro : Quick - Dry TimeWhile somepaint eccentric require a full 24 to 48 hoursto all dry , Milk River pigment can dry in a record 30 minute to an minute . Err on the side of cautiousness and give it four hours before you take a backside in your newly milk - painted chair .
Pro : Easy Clean UpAccidents befall , even when you ’ve cautiously set up your house painting area and protected control surface from splatter , smudges , and droplets . Fortunately , the water - base milk paint rule is relativelyeasy to clean up on hide and clothes .
Milk Paint Cons
bunko : command SealingBecause Milk River paint is a porous key salmagundi , itrequires sealing to keep out contamination . Hemp crude , finishing cream or glass formula , and beeswax are a few route to consider when selecting a finish . Be sure to opt for an environmentally well-disposed method acting , or you ’ll waive milk paint ’s natural welfare .
Con : PriceMilk paint is dear if you ’re look to surface large surface or areas . Stick to smaller project to keep your milk paint - related disbursal in stoppage .
sting : Needs MixingIf your milk paint comes in gunpowder descriptor , which it probably will , you must integrate it . It is a simple physical process of fuse the Milk River paint pulverization with pee . dissimilar brands advocate dissimilar technique , including shaking , stirring , and using a lowly hand social . Be sure to stick to the didactics on the packaging .
How to Use Milk Paint
The beauty of milk rouge is that it can total character and patina to a change of surfaces thanks to its distressed grain and appearance . There ’s beauty in its imperfection , which takes off some of the pressure when apply . Milk River paint can be used on almost any Earth’s surface , but its ruined look will change accordingly .
One of the most popular shipway touse Milk River key is on article of furniture , where you may provide more or less chipping base on sandpaper and finish techniques . Floors , walls , furnishing , and interior decoration detail are fair game for this hard put - attend paint , although you need to keep size in thinker ; this project can become pricey if you go too big .
Frequently Asked Questions
Milk River paint can be painted on a range of common surfaces include wood , metal , chalk , plastic , concrete , poultice and Freemasonry . You do n’t require to sandpaper or prime porous aerofoil unless you want a very smooth , distress - free finish . On nonporous surfaces , if you do n’t require a distressed stopping point , it ’s in force to lend oneself a bonding agent first .
Unsealed , milk paint has a lustrelessness destination with a slight , velvety shininess that gives it an antique look . If you need a distressed look , leave it unsealed so that it can course crack and chip . Otherwise , utilise a sealant for a smoother destination .
If you desire a legato finish , apply milk paint with a soft paint brush . For a more hick look , prefer a stiffer , instinctive - bristle brushing that will show the grain of the brushstrokes . If you ’re paint a declamatory area , milk paint can also be applied using a paint crimper or a rouge sprayer . Whichever you choose , two coating is recommended .
