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Real Milk Paint ® Facts

Milk paint has been used for several centuries and has proved to be a very durable paint. Many antiques have survived to this day with their original milk paint intact. The rich colors are just as vibrant today.

What is milk paint?
Before commercially prepared paint was available, paint was made at home based on formulas handed down from generation to generation. Milk paint was made from old curdled milk or cottage cheese, lime and earth pigment for color.

How much will a quart of milk paint cover?
70 square feet per quart, 280 square feet per gallon.

How long will milk paint last after it is mixed?
Milk paint will achieve the strongest bond when applied fresh, but it will keep in a sealed container two weeks to a month.

Is milk paint dangerous?
Milk paint is very environmentally friendly, you can throw old paint on your garden without harm. Caution should be used while painting to prevent paint from getting in the eyes. Burning may occur because of the lime content. Also, wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Always flush and wash eyes and hands thoroughly with water.

What will milk paint stick to?
Real Milk Paint ® is best applied to raw wood or unsealed walls or wall board. When refinishing antiques, be sure the surface is very clean, a light sanding would be necessary. Tri Sodium Phosphate is a good cleaner after a piece of furniture is stripped to remove any impurities left on the surface. Milk paint does not stick well to new metal surface, plastics, or oil base paints or finishes.

Can milk paint be painted over other paints?
Milk paint with the addition of Ultra Bond can be painted over latex paint. The surface must be clean without any wax or silicone. Clean with Tri Sodium Phosphate then scuff with sand paper. Always test for compatibility before full application.

Can Real Milk Paint ® be used outdoors?
Real Milk Paint ® is very durable to the weather. For furniture we recommend painting to your liking and allowing the furniture to sit under a covered porch for about two weeks before full exposure. The paint will continue to get tougher as the moisture passes through the paint. For exterior use, a few weeks without heavy precipitation is recommended.

Top coating milk paint.
Any finish can be used to top coat Real Milk Paint ®. Oil based finishes such as polyurethane will darken the color. Test to see result.