Discover the Power of Milk Paint and Reinvent your Furniture

November 27 2024, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time

Milk paint is an incredible product that can transform ordinary furniture into timeless, vintage-inspired masterpieces.

In this workshop, Patricia Skelton, an Amy Howard at Home Artist in Residence, takes us through the process of using milk paint to create an old-world European finish that radiates charm and elegance.

Whether you’re an experienced furniture artist or just starting, this guide will help you achieve a beautiful finish using Amy Howard at Home’s premium products.

Materials You’ll Need

• Clean Slate: A furniture prep cleaner that removes wax and grime.
• One Step Paint: Patricia used "Bella’s Blush" for a base coat.
• Milk Paint: Colors featured are "Too Rose" and "Venetian Brown."
• Antiquing Glaze: For authentic distressing without sandpaper.
• Antique Wax: Patricia used a light wax with a hint of tint.
• Dust of Ages: Adds an aged patina to crevices and details.
• Tools:
  • Chip brushes (1 ½” or 2” for detailed application)
  • Sea sponge
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Stirring stick
  • Paint samples (optional) for testing

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Furniture

1. Clean with Clean Slate: Ensure your piece is clean and free of wax, dirt, and grime. Clean Slate preps the surface without stripping it.
2. Choose Your Furniture: Select a piece with interesting lines and a vintage feel that will shine with a layered milk paint finish.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

1. Use One Step Paint as your base. Patricia used "Bella’s Blush," a soft blush pink, to lay the foundation for the milk paint layers.
2. Stir the paint thoroughly and apply a thin, even coat, following the wood grain for a smooth, self-leveling finish.
3. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Mix and Apply Milk Paint

1. Mix your chosen milk paint colors in a 1:1 ratio of paint to water. Let it sit overnight to ensure pigments are fully dissolved.
   • Patricia used "Too Rose" (a delicate pink) and "Venetian Brown" (a warm brown) for a layered effect.
2. Stir thoroughly before each application to ensure an even mix.
3. Apply the milk paint in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry completely. Milk paint has a watercolor-like consistency, so lay your piece flat to prevent dripping.
4. Build layers of color for depth and character. For example, Patricia layered "Too Rose" first, followed by "Venetian Brown."

Step 4: Distress with Antiquing Glaze

1. Dip a sea sponge in water, then squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Using Antiquing Glaze, gently distress the surface by pressing and pulling the sponge across areas where natural wear and tear would occur, such as edges, corners, and drawer fronts.
3. Avoid straight lines when applying the glaze; use an organic push-pull motion for authenticity.
4. If needed, repeat the process until you achieve the desired level of distressing. You can always layer on more paint and repeat this step if necessary.

Step 5: Add Wax for Protection and Aging

1. Use Antique Wax to seal and protect the finish. Patricia used a light wax to preserve the soft tone of her milk paint.
2. Offload excess wax onto a cloth to prevent over-application, which can make the surface greasy.
3. Apply the wax in circular motions, focusing on areas where natural oils would accumulate, such as handles and edges.

Step 6: Enhance with Dust of Ages

1. After the wax has dried to a soft finish, apply Dust of Ages to the surface, concentrating on crevices and detailed areas.
2. Work the dust into the wax using a soft brush, then wipe off excess with a lint-free cloth.
3. Buff some areas more than others to create highs and lows of sheen for an authentic aged effect.

Step 7: Add Optional Details

1. Create watermarks or splatter effects using diluted paint and a chip brush for an extra layer of interest.
2. Use firm brushes or even a toothbrush to add fine texture or variations in color.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Allow your piece to dry completely and evaluate the finish. If needed, go back and refine distressed areas or add more wax for a richer look.
2. Style your piece and enjoy the transformation! Patricia finished her project by showcasing the soft blush tones layered with warm brown for a stunning European antique effect.

Key Tips for Success

• Test First: Use a scrap piece of plywood or a sample board to test your colors and technique before applying them to your furniture.
• Work in Layers: Thin, even layers of milk paint build depth and create authentic aged finishes.
• Patience is Key: Let each layer dry completely before moving to the next step.
• Use Quality Tools: Chip brushes and a sea sponge are essential for achieving the desired texture and distressing.

Transform Your Home

Patricia’s workshop demonstrates how Amy Howard at Home products allow anyone to create timeless, beautiful finishes.

From choosing the right colors to mastering layering techniques, milk paint is a versatile medium that can transform any furniture piece into a stunning statement.

Explore our Milk Paint Collection and start your next project today—we love seeing your creativity come to life!

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