How to Make Milk Paint for Craft Projects

Milk paint has been used for centuries, since long before oil-based paints were possible. It has endured because of the singular look and durability the paint offers. In early America, milk paint was used to paint houses and household furniture. Because of this, the creamy look of milk paint is often associated with antiques. To get the same look on your craft projects, you can make milk paint.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered milk
• Pigment powder
• Jar
• Strainer
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of powdered milk in a jar or container.

2. Add powdered pigment a little at a time until the color reaches the desired intensity.

3. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and strain out the lumps if the paint is lumpy.

4. Use milk paint on unfinished wood or other semi-porous objects. Metal, plastic and glossy finishes will not hold milk paint unless you sand the surface first or apply special primer.

Tips & Warnings

• The finish will be glossier than real milk paint. If you want a high-gloss finish, spray with acrylic finish.

• Powdered pigments or universal tinting colors are available in the paint department of a home improvement store or paint store.

References

• Old House Journal; Milk Paint; March-April 2000