Milk Paint: Should You Try It?

In an effort to go eco-friendly I decided to give milk paint a try. My husband built a toy chest for our children and the fumes from regular paint just would not work during my pregnancy.

Milk paint is the oldest form of paint available. Items painted in caves 8,000 years ago were made of a mixture of milk, lime, and earth pigments. It has been used since then.

Milk paint came back into vogue once the celebration of Earth Day began in the 1970's. Paint with lead and mercury have since been outlawed for the dangers that they present if eaten, however milk paint is digestible, although I wouldn't recommend it. Milk paint is safe for the environment because it is biodegradable, with no VOCS, HAPs or EPA-exempt solvents added.

PROS:

Milk paint is safe for everyone to use. There is no risk painting children's rooms or even painting with milk paint while you are pregnant. It emits no fumes.

Milk paint is sold in a powdered form and you only mix as much as is needed. The paint needs to be mixed with water in a container of your choice. We choose to use old coffee cans. The paint needs to be stirred for three minutes, strain, and allow it to sit for ten minutes. You will notice it thicken. This is a bit of a wait so if you are impatient milk paint is not for you.

Once thickened you simply paint the milk paint with a paint brush or paint sprayer. It absorbs into the wood better then latex paint and you use less milk paint then you would latex. You are not supposed to use primer with this paint and most projects are completed in two coats.

Milk paint is affordable. You get enough powder to make one gallon of milk paint for $48. The benefit is that you only whip up enough paint to cover your entire project. It you only need a quart you only use a quart. Most projects require less milk paint then regular paint.

CONS:

If you make to much paint it can not be saved, just like milk it will spoil. The excess paint powder needs to be stored in a paint jar. It will spoil if you just leave it in the bag it comes in.

It is not easy to find right now and only comes in a limited number of colors. You can order it over the next and it is sometimes available at eco-friendly stores.

The paint will give your item an antique look. I personally prefer this, but if you prefer a less rustic look you can go for an alternative such as safe paint.