Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply want paint cover for an existing finish, Real Milk Paint gets the job done quickly and reliably. Designed to mix with water at a 1:1 ratio, Real Milk Paint comes powdered so you can mix up as much or as little as you need for the task at hand. Once mixed, our formulation lasts up to two weeks, so you have ample time to paint your piece of furniture, kitchen cabinets or handmade raw wood crafts. Let’s look at what makes Real Milk Paint a great choice for your project, then explore just how much you need for your DIY design.

Advantages of Using Real Milk Paint

Create the ideal consistency for your painting task by adding more or less water to Real Milk Paint powder during the mixing process. If you need a thin wash to achieve trendy distressing techniques, just add a little more water to the formulation, but if you want heavier coverage, mix it with a little less. Our Real Milk Paint colors boast deep, high-quality pigments, so their hues hold true no matter the mixture you use on your kitchen cabinets or piece of furniture. Additionally, we offer 56 shades of milk paint products, ranging from monochromatic hues like white, gray and black to primary, pastel and neutral colors.

Another advantage to using Real Milk Paint for your DIY refinishing projects is its environmentally friendly formulation. Our milk paint contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so you don’t need extra ventilation when using it for projects. A nontoxic formulation made from all-natural, organic materials such as casein also means Real Milk Paint offers a safe option for homes with kids and pets. Quick dry time and fuss-free adhesion to most surfaces without sanding and priming round out the advantages of using our milk paint products on everything from raw wood to upcycled garage sale finds. 

How Much Milk Paint Do I Need?

Milk Paint Coverage - opened milk paints and a brushTo help your makeover go successfully, you need to have all the necessary supplies, including ample Real Milk Paint, at the ready. Different items, of course, require different amounts of milk paint products, so it’s helpful to know typical amounts for common DIY projects. In most instances, however, milk paint provides 100 square feet of coverage per quart, though most of the time you need at least a second coat to get the results you desire.

In general, however, a pint of Real Milk Paint should provide enough coverage for the following:

  • 2 to 3 small tables
  • 2 to 3 accent chairs
  • 1 small vanity or desk
  • 1 small bookcase or coffee table
  • 1 headboard

For medium-size projects, a quart of Real Milk Paint typically covers:

  • 1 dining table with extension leaves
  • 1 king-size headboard and footboard
  • 1 china cabinet or tall hutch cabinet
  • 1 chest, dresser or armoire
  • 1 double-sink bathroom vanity

When you’re working on larger projects, consider gallon containers of Real Milk Paint. With roughly 400 square feet of coverage power, our gallon size typically provides plenty of milk paint product to cover standard-size kitchen cabinets or two to three small bathroom cabinets.

The Ins and Outs of Milk Paint Coverage

While the 1-quart-to-100-square-feet formula for milk paint coverage works well for figuring out just how much milk paint cover you need for projects, you should consider a few other factors. For example, very light colors like antique white or snow white paint may require more than a second coat, especially if you’re painting over darker hues. Likewise, raw wood tends to absorb your first coat of paint deeply, so you may need some extra Real Milk Paint to mix up when you’re finishing handmade chairs and furnishings.

Additionally, consider where you’re using the finished project before you slap on a coat of milk paint. If you plan on using items on your porch, patio or deck, mix up your Real Milk Paint with our Outdoor Additive to give it staying power when exposed to the elements. Also, tricky surfaces like melamine and laminate typically require priming and sanding before painting with chalk paint or acrylic paint, but our milk paint sticks well — no priming required! — when mixed with Ultra Bond Adhesion Promoter bonding agent.

Finishing Milk Paint DIY Projects

Real Milk Paint adheres well to numerous surfaces, from concrete and metal, wood and glass to plastic, plaster and laminate, making it a flexible option for DIY projects. It does, however, require you to apply a sealer after you add your paint cover to ensure durability over time. Rather than using harsh products such as polyurethane clear coat for your topcoat, though, consider low-to-no-VOC options offered by The Real Milk Paint Co. Our wax products work particularly well for finishing surfaces coated with milk paint, and they come in a range of sheens and tints to aid you in completing your DIY project to your complete satisfaction.

To achieve a trendy farmhouse look, try distressing your paint cover with our Chippy Paste and finishing the look with one of our finishing creams, which come in dead flat matte, low sheen and gloss to help you achieve your creative vision. Alternatively, consider using Natural Crackle Paint Finish, then employing one of our finishing oils such as hemp oil for a sealer. To get a distressed look with just a topcoat product, select one of our finishing glazes that impart rich espresso, mahogany or mocha tint with just a little rubbing. These Real Milk Paint products go on easily with a clean, lint-free rag, foam brush or paintbrush, ensuring readily available application options.

Real Milk Paint delivers reliable paint coverage and offers exceptional durability. One of the oldest paints known to man, milk paint products help you get the job done in a fast, easy and eco-friendly way. Now that you know just how much Real Milk Paint you need for your DIY needs, start making plans and getting crafty.