How to Transform Furniture with Amy Howard At Home's Milk Paint
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
Are you looking for a way to give old furniture a stunning, vintage-inspired transformation?
This DIY makeover uses Amy Howard At Home's Milk Paint to create a beautiful, rich black finish while preserving the natural charm of the piece. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process!
Materials Needed:
- Clean Slate (for prep)
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Milk Paint
- Natural bristle brush
- Whisk or stir stick
- Milk Paint Binder (for adhesion)
- Blow dryer (optional, for quick drying)
- Furniture Tonic
- Clear Wax (optional for extra protection)
- Wood bead trim (optional for decorative accents)
Step 1: Prepping the Piece
Before painting, preparation is key to ensuring the best adhesion and a smooth, professional-looking finish.
- First, wipe down the entire piece with Clean Slate to remove dirt, oil, and old wax buildup.
- Lightly hand sand the entire piece using 220-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy sheen.
- Wipe down the piece again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Step 2: Mixing and Applying Milk Paint
Milk paint comes in powder form, so it needs to be mixed before applying.
- In a bowl, mix equal parts Amy Howard At Home's Milk Paint powder and water using a whisk or stir stick until smooth.
- Add a small amount of Milk Paint Binder to improve adhesion, especially if the surface isn’t fully sanded down.
- Apply the first coat of milk paint using a natural bristle brush, making long, even strokes.
- If your piece has an unusual shape, lay it on its side for better control and to prevent drips.
Pro Tip: If you notice any drips forming, gently brush over them before the paint dries to keep the surface smooth.
Step 3: Layering the Paint for Depth
To achieve a rich, layered look, multiple coats of paint are recommended.
- Once the first coat is fully dry, lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough patches.
- Apply a second light coat of milk paint and repeat the light sanding process.
- Repeat this process one more time, for a total of three coats.
Milk paint can change color as it dries, sometimes appearing gray before deepening into a rich, matte black. Don’t worry—this is normal!
Step 4: Adding Decorative Accents (Optional)
In this project, the wood filler near the hinges didn’t hold well, so a wood bead trim was added as a decorative detail. This is a great way to add character and fix imperfections at the same time!
Step 5: Finishing with Furniture Tonic
This is the step that truly brings the finish to life!
- Once the final coat of paint is dry, apply Furniture Tonic with a soft cloth, rubbing it into the surface to enhance the depth and richness of the black paint.
- Let it soak in overnight, then apply a second coat for added depth and protection.
- Allow the piece to fully cure for a few days before applying any additional topcoats.
💡 Optional: For extra durability, apply a coat of Clear Wax once the Furniture Tonic has fully cured. This will give your piece a subtle sheen and additional protection.
Bonus: Enhancing the Stained Door Front
For the stained portion of the furniture piece:
- A quick coat of Gel Stain was applied to enhance the wood grain.
- Once dry, Furniture Tonic was rubbed into the stain, giving it a beautifully polished look.
The Final Result
The transformation of this piece is truly stunning! The deep, rich black from the Amy Howard At Homes Milk Paint highlights the elegant lines of the furniture, while the Furniture Tonic enhances its character.
This simple yet timeless technique is a perfect way to give old furniture new life, whether you're refinishing an antique or updating a thrifted find.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Give your furniture an elegant makeover with Amy Howard At Homes Milk Paint and see the difference for yourself! Have questions or want to share your project? Tag us on Instagram—we’d love to see your transformations!
Happy Painting! 🎨✨
