I have learned to love milk paint.
I have to admit that though my sweet friend, Marian, was coming out with her own line of milk paint over a year ago, and I was excited for her and to try it, milk paint was not my favorite medium to work with. I didn’t totally understand how it worked, and certainly didn’t understand how to mix it.
My love started with Marian’s colors; they are to die for, and begged to get on a piece of furniture. Even though I hadn’t used milk paint that often, I started playing with it more and more over the last year and a half.
Milk paint is different than other mediums. From the emails I receive and from conversations with customers, the number one thing people struggle with is mixing the paint. They’re afraid of it (a little), and nervous about whether or not they got it right. I also believe mixing the paint well is the difference between loving and just liking (or even disliking) milk paint. It was for me.
The paint isn’t supposed to be runny or keep major chunks of powder (a little is okay), but in fact, should be creamy if mixed well.
You ready for the big secret?
Let the paint incorporate.
Yep, life changing. When Marian and I were teaching the painting class at Haven last year, we were talking about how you should slowly mix the paint for 3-5 minutes, and encouraging everyone to take their time. Someone piped up (i wish i could remember who?!) and said, “it’s kind of like pancake batter, then, right?” Um, exactly! This paint is becoming part of the water, absorbing the water…a few quick stirs won’t do that. If you bake you understand this concept. There’s a reason the recipe calls for mixing 5 full minutes instead of stirring until wet.
This paint needs a few minutes to absorb the water and thicken a bit. It will still feel thinner than a latex paint, but not much. And the great thing about it is this: if you like it thicker, well, make it thicker and if you prefer it thinner like a wash, add more water. It’s a very forgiving paint, so don’t be afraid to try it. Just don’t be in a hurry when mixing. Her milk paint line even launched some adorable hand mixers for those to speed up the process, and we’ve just listed those in the online store.
I’m serious when I say I’ve started painting all kinds of things in our home with it (that apron strings mixed above was for a little stool in Ava’s room), and I’ll be sharing those soon. I’m thinking about doing a couple of tutorials so if there’s any questions you have about milk paint, leave them in the comments, and I’ll be sure to answer those for you! Maybe even filming one of our workshops??
Oh, and psst…our Milk Paint quarts and waxes are all 20% off right now in the online store, so if you haven’t tried it, now’s a good time!
Paint the town lovely, friends.
I am now ready to use milk paint, thank you for boosting my confidence!!!!!!
Good, Sylvia! It really isn’t intimidating at all once you just go for it, and know you’ll play with the mix a little until you get the consistency you’d like!
🙂
shaunna
GREAT post on mixing Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. The more I use Milk Paint the more I want to, it is just so amazing to work with. And I was in that class at Haven – you and Marian did an amazing job (hope you will be back this year!) thanks for the great post!
Wendy
Thanks Wendy! I’m with you!! It’s addictive once you get started!!
🙂
shaunna
I love Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint! People really need to get over the fear of mixing it. Too thin? Add more paint. Too thick? Add a little more water. I find that using warm, not hot, water also helps the minerals dissolve better. Mix until wet, let it sit for a minute or two and mix again. I usually add about a teaspoon of water and mix again. I get a nice creamy consistency that paints very nicely. Don’t forget to give it a mix every once in a while as you paint. And best of all, no brush strokes!
1st thing I saw when the page opened was the ad for Guess jeans. Ugh
I know it, Gloria! I’ve already emailed our ad network to have it removed. Thanks for letting me know!
🙂
shaunna
I’m so glad you shared this “little” tip. I’ve contemplating purchasing some milk paint and trying it out. Some people love it and I’ve noticed others don’t…so I was a little hesitant. So basically patience is the key. I will remember that when I try it out. Thanks!
leelee @ paperbagstyling.blogspot.com
I can’t wait to read your milk paint tutorials. I love it. I love mixing it and feeling part of the process….kind of like the joy of making a cup of coffee!
Awesome tip! I have been wanting to try a project with milk paint 🙂
I have one milk paint piece…so far. Love the new color too. Thanks for the hints.
I’ve yet to try Milk Paint, it’s not that popular over here in the UK. Will try and lay my hands on some, how do you think it compares to ASCP? 🙂
This comment comes way after your original post, but I have a question and am hoping you will see it and can help! If I want to use milk paint on an old french door, do I need to sand it first?Thanks
Hi Kathleen, the great thing about Miss Mustard Seed Milk paint is you don’t have to sand down the piece to paint it. Some of our customers like to sand their pieces down before to be able to show off the wood grain under the Miss Mustard Seed paint. That is totally up to you though 🙂
hi,
can you tell me the differences between milk paint and chalk paint in the preparation and the sealing of each?
thank you
Hi there Mary! The main differences between are Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint are:
1. Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint you have to mix with water. Unlike Annie Sloan where you can “open the can and start,” you just add in the very simple step of mixing. Some people find it a tad intimidating but it really is just a simple as it sounds. We like to mix the paint up then let it sit for a minute or so to thicken up. After that you are ready to go.
2. Miss Mustard Seed will distress more “naturally” then our Chalk Paint. Chalk Paint will distress using sand paper but the Milk Paint will actually flake off to give the distress look. Of course you can make the Milk Paint where it does not chip off also thought!
As far as sealing goes… Both paints will need to be sealed with wax. Like we always say though, you do not have to wax but you make see a little distressing happen over time just from normal use of a piece. Both waxes are very simple and easy to use. Plus Miss Mustard Seed and Annie Sloan both carry a clear wax (called furniture wax for MMS) and a dark wax (called Antique Wax for MMS). Hope this helps you and let us know if there is anything else we can do for you Mary!!