Milk Paint Is the Eco-Friendly Alternative to Latex That Gives Walls and Furniture Vintage Character

You might think you know of all the different types of paint out there on the market—latex, acrylic, oil-based, and chalk come to mind. But one type of paint has flown under the mainstream radar while simultaneously being one of the oldest known paints—milk paint. We spoke with experts to learn all about this unique option for interiors, furniture, crafts, and more.

What Is Milk Paint?

Milk paint is an environmentally friendly paint that is made from milk protein (casein), crushed limestone, clay, and earth pigment for color, according to Sausha Khoundet, owner of Sweet Pickins and Old Fashioned Milk Paint. "Milk paint is one of the most ancient forms of paint known," she says. "The paints are made in powder form to avoid adding chemical preservatives. Water is simply added to the powder before use." The milk protein mixed with the limestone forms a binder, says Khoundet, while the clay (or sometimes chalk) adds body to the paint, and pigment is added for color.

Some milk paints use a plant-based filler instead of clay, like Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. "Our paint is CPSC-compliant, making it safe for even the little ones and pets in your life," says Brenda Hess, owner of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint. "By removing the chalk and clay, our paint became biodegradable and compostable. No modern paint can say that."

The Difference Between Milk Paint and Traditional Paints

The main difference between milk paint and more standard paints like latex, oil, and even chalk paints is that milk paint is made with natural ingredients (milk protein, crushed limestone) and comes in a powdered form that you have to mix with water. "Only true milk paint comes in a powder form—if it's pre-mixed and it says it's milk paint, it's not (it would be an acrylic-based paint)," says Khoundet. "Chalk-type paints come premixed."

Many people are more familiar with interior latex or oil-based paints. "Latex paint is just as it sounds, think about latex gloves," says Hess. "It’s a flexible paint made for walls, which makes it a durable, washable surface. Oil-based paints are extremely durable, slow to cure, and have the highest VOCs (volatile organic compounds)." Khoundet also notes that traditional paints like latex, oil, or lacquer go on surfaces fairly flat and one-dimensional, whereas milk paint offers a more "mottled" appearance on surfaces.

Benefits of Using Milk Paint

There are several benefits to choosing milk paint for your home projects. Milk paint offers the following advantages:

• Quick drying time
• Longer shelf life
• The ability to only mix up the amount of paint you need
• Low to no VOCs
• Sustainably made and biodegradable
• Odorless once dry

Where to Use Milk Paint In Your Home

Milk paint can be used as interior wall paint, as a decorative finish, in crafts and woodworking, and more.

Interior Walls

"Milk paint can be used almost anywhere, including plaster, drywall, wood, stone, unsealed brick, and concrete," says Hess. "With a bonding agent (such as our MilkGrip), it can also be applied to slick surfaces such as glass and metal." Using a bonding agent can create a more traditional finish for milk paint when using it on a non-porous surface.

Decorative Finishes

If you use it as a decorative paint, you have the option to make it as thick or as thin as you like since you're in control of how much water you add to the powder. "You can use it thin for a stain or thicker to create texture and age," says Khoundet. "You can apply it with a brush, roller, or even spray it just like a traditional latex paint."

Furniture

Milk paint looks naturally "chippy" and sometimes crackles when painting over existing finishes, says Khoundet. It is often used by craftsmen to replicate historic finishes on their woodworking items, she says. "This is a very popular look for furniture painters/woodworkers."

Crafts

You can also use it in your craft projects. "It's great on crafts, signs, and children's toys," says Khoundet.

When working with milk paint, be advised that it generally needs some sort of top coat or sealant applied when you're finished because the paint is porous. Hess suggests using wax, oil (beeswax or hemp oil can work here), or a traditional topcoat.

Making vs. Buying Milk Paint

Milk paint is unique in that while there are plenty of commercial options available for you to purchase, you can also make it yourself at home with just a few key ingredients.

You'll want to stick to buying milk paint if you are painting a wall or large surface, but if you are planning on using it for a piece of furniture or a craft project, you can make it yourself. All you need to make milk paint at home is a quart of skim milk, lemon, sieve, cheesecloth, dry color pigment or artists' acrylic paint. Follow our recipe below to make your own milk paint right at home.