How to Paint Antique Cabinets

One of the most tried-and-true techniques for painting antique cabinets was also used by the ancient Egyptians: milk paint. It's simple to use and your finished painted wood cabinets will glow with the soft, brushed earth-toned colors of milk paint. The process revitalizes drab old furniture, but still keeps the integrity and charm of the antique because it is an antique process itself. Milk paint is a made from a few basic raw materials--casein (milk protein binder), clays, lime and earth pigments. Antique cabinets redone with this paint of the pharaohs will breath new life into your decor.

Things You'll Need

• Milk paint powder, bag
• 2 1/2-gallon plastic bucket
• Sandpaper, 120 grit and 220 grit
• Brushes, natural bristle, 2 to 4 inches
• Sponge
• Soft cloth
• Clear acrylic varnish

Instructions

1. Sand your antique cabinet with a 120-grit sandpaper to create a slight tooth for the milk paint to attach to. Milk paint works best on raw wood or cabinets with worn and faded paint. If you have a painted cabinet, be sure any wax, grease and oils are removed before applying the milk paint. For other surfaces, such as laminated woods, paint the cabinet with a wood-colored acrylic bonding primer before adding the first coat.

2. Mix the milk paint, 1 part powder to 1 part water. Stir for 10 minutes to a medium light cream consistency. It should not be too thick or it will crack on the surface of the piece, nor so thin that it is watery and will run off it.

3. Paint on the first coat of milk paint quickly, allowing the paint to soak into the wood. Do not let paint puddle, work it uniformly into the surface.Overlap your strokes as you paint. Allow to dry and sand again with 120 grit. Streaks and specs in the paint are fine and give a nice antique brushed translucent surface. After the paint is dry, sand with the 220-grit sandpaper. Clean off dust with the soft cloth. The first coat seals the surface.

4. Take the damp cloth and wipe the piece back, exposing areas of the wood color underneath. This will give the piece the beautiful two-toned luster.

5. Thin the paint a little with water and apply a second coat. This will flow more freely than the first coat. Unlike acrylic paint, Milk paint has a brushed surface quality that gives the piece an aged look.

6. Use the damp cloth to wear away any of the areas that you want exposed

7. Apply two coats of clear acrylic varnish. Allow to dry completely between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Milk paint is very durable. Some pieces have lasted hundreds of years.

• Some painters suggest mixing the milk paint the night before your project because it will bind ingredients better, making it easier to apply the next day.

• Lay down newspapers on the work surface and wear an apron covering to protect clothing because milk paint is hard to remove when it dries.

• Usually milk paint is used directly from the package, but for new colors, you can mix packages of the powder together.

• To create a milk paint stain, add 1 part milk paint to 1 part water.

• Milk paint powder will lose some of its strength after the package has been opened. Do not leave extra powder exposed to air. Reseal in plastic package. Milk paint mixed with water will only last a day or so; discard the leftover when done.

• Beware of fake milk paint labeled such as "authentic milk paint colors." Real milk paint comes in powdered form only.

• Make sure you wear gloves, paint doesn't get into skin or eyes due to lime in ingredients. Use a dust mask when working with powder

References

• Real Milk Paint Co.: How to Use Real Milk Paint
• Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co.: Milk Paint--A Traditional Painted Finish that Improves with Age
• Dundean Studios: How to Use Milk Paint

Resources

• Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co.: A Brief History of Milk Paint
• Youtube.com: Using Milk Paint Video
• Youtube.com: Milk Paint Vanity Video