Milk Paint is a natural, non-toxic product that bonds with hard porous surfaces by way of a naturally forming resin called calcium caseinate. It is predominantly used on sanded wood and cob walls, without the need for a primer or sealer.

Contents:

How to mix and apply Milk Paint:

Milk Paint adheres only to clean porous surfaces such as wood and cob walls - no primer is required, but wood must be freshly sanded.

The ideal mixture is one part Milk Paint powder to one and a half parts water (1:1.5). Start by mixing equal amounts of powder with warm water and stir thoroughly. Then add the rest of the water, stir again, and once the powder is fully dissolved, allow the mixture to rest and thicken for ten minutes.

Remember:

  • Use hand-warm water only.
  • Stir the mixture, as shaking or beating will form a lot of froth. To keep the ingredients dispersed, the mixture should be stirred during applications.
  • Add enough water until you have obtained the consistency required ie less water if you'd like a thicker coating (opaque), or more if you'd like a thinner coating (wash).
  • Once mixed, the Milk Paint is to be used within 24 hours - store in the fridge if not being used during this period.

The paint can be applied by brush, foam roller, foam pad or rag - simply clean utensils with water once application is completed. Allow one to two hours drying time (depending on weather and thickness of coat) between coats.

Milk Paint leaves an attractive coarse finish, but this can be smoothed if desired by lightly wiping with a Scotch Brite pad once it has dried, but not cured (min 2 hours, max 6 hours). Wooden surfaces can be lightly sanded to a smooth finish, revealing hints of wood underneath. Milk Paint fully cures within 24 hours.

The surface can be given a finishing glaze by wiping it with linseed or teak oil, wax or varnish, or acrylic glaze. Hard-working surfaces, such as table tops require a tough finish such as polyurethane varnish to prevent water-spotting.

Remember the paint will be a tone lighter when it is dry - this step will enrich and darken the finish back to the "wet" colour.

Always first test on a scrap piece of the same material before applying it to your project.

Coverage:

Working according to industry standards, the average coverage per litre of Milk Paint (working on the 1:1.5 mixing ratio) is 8 to 10m2.

With Milk Paint supplied in powder form, as opposed to liquid form like PVA and enamel paints, the formula to work out how much is required is a little more complicated.

To assist with this conversion into weights, please use the calculator we have supplied. By filling in the coverage you require, the calculator will work out the weight of the Milk Paint powder needed to cover your specified area.

Please keep in mind what treatment you are requiring ie opaque, standard or wash.

The Original Milk Paint Co. supplies in the following weights: 100g (for colour sampling); 250g; 500g; 1kg; 2kg and 5kg's.