Photo Tutorial: How To Mix Milk Paint

Milk Paint from The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. comes in a recyclable paper bag. The metallic pouch contains the paint in a powder form, and each bag comes with full instructions. There are zero VOC’s or chemicals in Milk Paint, so you only need soap & water for clean up.

I like to snip one corner of the bag to help control the paint flow.

Milk Paint is mixed with equal parts of water, but you can adjust the amount of water to get the consistency of paint that you’re comfortable with. Warm water works best, when mixing the paint. Start by adding a small amount of water and paint (using a nylon spatula works best for hand mixing). Keep mixing the paint in parts until you have your desired amount.

Once I have mixed the paint by hand, I like to thoroughly mix it with a paint mixer attachment, which attaches to any drill. These are a couple of dollars, and can be found in any home supply store. BTW, this is not a required step, it’s more of a preference. Be sure the mixer is touching the bottom of your cup, and that you are securely holding the cup, before you turn it on. Mix for a few minutes, starting at a slow speed, and increasing it to a faster speed. Once you have completed the mixing process, let the paint set for around 10 minutes. This allows the paint to thicken. If it’s too thick, just add some water.

You can use the paint “as is” once it’s mixed, but I personally like to strain mine. I use a Cone Paint Strainer, which can be purchased in a 4-pack for around $2 or less. This just ensures a smoother finish.

Get a clean cup, and place the Cone Paint Strainer loosely inside.

Hold one side of the strainer, so that it doesn’t fall in, and slowly pour a small amount of your mixed paint in. Let it funnel through, and add more paint, until you’ve strained it all. If your paint is too thick, it won’t work very well. If you’re having this problem, simply add a little more water to your mixed cup, before using the strainer again.

Once the paint is mixed, you’ll need to stir it periodically, so keep your spatula close by. You may now add a bonding agent, if you need one. This applies to non-porous items, such as pre-painted furniture. Use the paint brush of your choice to apply the paint.

You may also use a foam roller to apply milk paint.

I use cups with lids…it helps keep the paint from drying out, and if you need to, you can store leftover paint in the fridge for a few days. Milk Paint in it’s powder form can be stored in an airtight container indefinitely. It will never go bad.

Your first coat of paint will probably look bad, but don’t panic! It will look completely different once it’s dry, and two coats always look better than one, unless you’re going for a washed look.

I pretty much just slopped the paint on this piece, as it’s going to get covered with another color, but here’s what it looks like dry. I did not use a bonding agent, and I typically wait about an hour in between paint coats. The drying time varies, depending on the paint thickness mostly. If you notice that your 2nd coat is pulling paint up, then stop and allow your piece more time to dry. The whole mixing process is pretty quick, and once you do it a couple of times…you’ll have it down!