How to Make your Own Milk Paint

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By Dusty Mills
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MILK PAINT - AS ALL NATURAL AS YOU CAN GET

Now that we all know about the benefits of going green, I think more and more people are starting to question what exactly is in the products that we buy. One product that is quite toxic is paint, a product we all have in our homes. You don't have to buy a petroleum based paint though, you can make your own and have it be totally toxin free....I'm talking about milk paint.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ready to mix milk paint
or
1 gallon skim milk
2 cups white vinegar
1/4 cup hydrated lime powder - Type S
1/2 cup pigment
water
Cheesecloth

Step 1

PIGMENT TO MAKE YOUR OWN PAINT COLOR

Powdered milk paint can be purchased and just mixed with water. This would be convientent but would cost about $36.00 a gallon. But making your own milk paint is relatively easy and would be half the cost of buying the ready mixed. The lime powder and the pigment is available at paint stores or even some craft stores. The results are amazing, flat muted color that resembles old world plaster. Many artists still use this ancient paint because of it's work ability and the tone of color.
Step 2

MILK PAINT GIVES A BEAUTIFUL, FLAT OPAQUE FINISH

This recipe uses fresh milk that is curled by using the vinegar. By using the curdling method you have a stronger paint that is resistant to mold. To begin: allow the milk to come to room temperature, but no warmer than 115 degrees. Pour the milk into a large container and add the 2 cups vinegar which starts the curdling process. Allow the mixture to sit overnight in a warm place stirring every once in awhile. The next day you'll be able to notice the milk solids separating from the liquid whey. Have everything ready prior to mixing in the pigment as milk paint should be used when it's fresh.
Step 3

THIS BEAUTIFUL WALL COLOR IS OBTAINED USING MILK PAINT

Put the pigment powder in a plastic container and add an equal amount of water and allow the powder to soak. Begin to stir until you have worked the ingredients into a paste, set aside. Put the lime into a small container and add the 1-1/2 cups of water and stir until you have a smooth paste. Please wear a dust mask to do this step as you don't want to inhale the lime dust. Next you must pour the bucket of curds and whey thru a colander to separate. Wash the curd with water and allow to remain wet. Remove the curd or Quark from the colander and put into your paint bucket breaking up any larger pieces. Add the lime paste and stir well, then add the pigment. Again, stir well to dissolve any quark pieces. Strain the paint thru a piece of cheesecloth and your paint is ready to use. Stir the paint freguently as it tends to separate. If you have any extra paint and want to keep it, store in the refrigerator, it will keep for several days, although milk paint is best when used fresh. Since milk paint is a thin mixture, you may want to use more than one coat. After the paint is dry you can rub over it with fine steel wool or wax to give it a smooth, sealed finish.

Comments

fruitloop said

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on 9/30/2009 Thank you! This is perfect.

clixy123 said

on 9/16/2008 That´s so cool. I have a tin of milk mixed with lime sitting here right next to me. Does anyone know if this would work on stripped oak? I have stripped an oak cupboard and it´s nice and light now. I tried to finish it off with a neutral wax but found to my horror that the wood turns out very dark again. So I am trying a grey lime mixture to dye the wood first. Anyone have any experience with this??

momofour said

on 8/15/2008 Wow! I have never even heard of this before, but it sounds like a fun project to try. Especially coming up with your colors. Thanks for sharing this recipe! You know of paint project dilemma so I might try it out!I will let you know!