Great article. Milk paint's lumpiness is due to pigments that have failed to break up with mixing. Manufacturers recommend a one-to-one mix. You can see in the photo how the chalked paint provides more coverage after the first coat. A quart of Chalk Paint® will cover about 150 square feet; which is almost double a quart of Latex. If you’re looking for a natural paint for furniture with a slightly thinner texture than chalky paint—but plenty of character—then milk paint might be the right type for you. How do I get a smooth finish? Milk paint vs. chalk paint – what’s the difference? Its always great to get a recommendation and its good to know that there are other great milk paint products that work! Milk paint you don’t have to sand between coats but chalk paint you do. Remember, this mixture goes a long way, and it’s inexpensive, so you can be generous. I found that one coat is more transparent than the Chalk Paint (right). Both paints are easy to distress. The Difference Between Chalk Paint Milk Paint Mineral Paint. Milk paint tends to be used for large furniture and even for broad expanses like walls and ceilings. Wise words. Thank you. Hope it all works out! These are simple and inexpensive recipes, the cheapest is $4.00 from Elizabeth & Co. You simple use latex (acrylic) paint mixed with either grout, plaster of Paris and powdered calcium carbonate. Chalk paint's higher build can be an issue if you want to see and feel the underlying texture. You know I love visiting Elizabeth and Co too and see what you great gals are up to. Do you think I still have to sand 1st (as needed with regular paint because of the shellac), and what might you recommend I finish it with after? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaLwfbvxZd8. Comes in quart cans. Hi Lani great to hear from you and thank you so much for taking time to write. Take your time to find the right one for you. Even so, you’ll need another top coat of wax or varnish for the paint to hold lest it cracks over time. I’m sure it will look wonderful in your daughter’s nursery. Decorated Life is reader-supported. Milk paint and chalk paint are both popular paints for furniture. Some are easier than others. This is a blog that talks all about different paints available in the USA. Recipes to make your own milk paint can be found at Martha Stewart, Real Milk Paint, Esprit Cabane and a cheat’s version using acrylic paint from Craft Apple. Milk Paint: Pros. you mix with water before use. PS.I’m so excited about this project. They are from the 1950’s era. And while milk paint is organic and chalk paint is inorganic, the latter has negligible amounts of VOCs. Depending on the size of your kitchen, a gallon of paint could be more than enough. Most people mix and shake it in a clean, wide mouthed jar which makes it easy to dip the brush. I love experimenting with all kinds of paint. The first coat always looks all wrong… but by the second/third it looks amazing. Find out what milk paint is, and which is the best to use for your next project. After you were done, what did hoy seal them with? About $40 a quart . I am new to the milk/chalk paint world. I don’t want a distressed or chipped look. I am doing a hockey chair for my great nephew in black with the seat covered in his team material. With the milk paint, there aren’t many recipes that you will find. To my dilemma- I would like to whitewash the walls in our (small) bathroom & (tiny! You don’t have to prep either which is a huge time saver. What would you suggest milk or chalk paint? Donna Allgaier-Lamberti / White Oak Studio Designs / SW Michigan Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com Facebook: [email protected] (To see a portfolio of painted pieces for sale). When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Typically, that includes milk protein, lime, pigment, and clay. I just would good coverage on my pickled wood cabinets. And what a nice surprise to see a link back to my blog – Elizabeth & Co. How Milk Paint and Chalk Paint Differ . Previous Post: « DIY Metal Trunk Makeover using Maison Blanche Black Lime Wax. https://decoratedlife.com/1950s-french-dresser-1800s-france/ – this one shows different antiquing effects including a link to distressing. As an Amazon Associate decoratedlife.com earns from qualifying purchases. The chalked paint was also matte, but it didn’t feel nearly as rough or as textured. Chalk paint is made with plaster of paris poured into flat latex paint and some water added, the more water the smoother and less brush strokes you get (you can make it yourself) and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is the most used but I hear it's $. Annie Sloan has a lot of chalk paint tutorials but you don’t really need them to get the process right. Just to clarify, I mean the cabinets are currently coated with verathane. I’m totally new to painting furniture but loving it. If you had a piece with a great grain that you wanted to peek through the paint, Milk paint would be your best choice. This means you make only what you need, along with the intensity or color. Have you ever tried either one of these paints on oak cabinets without removing the finish beforehand? Great for rustic or country pieces. needed. Milk paint is unreliable when it comes to finish… but try it first. I’m looking at doing mine and was also considering milk paint. There are great tutorials all over Youtube if you want to learn more. If you’re on our email list you know I love finding new ways of doing things – simply and inexpensively. With all of these similarities, are there any differences between milk paints and chalk paints that govern their individual uses? Chalk paint dries to a very flat, chalky texture, though adding a beeswax coating will give it a lustrous, velvety feeling. Milk paint and chalk paint have very similar traits—but they're not the same. Watch some of these youtube videos below but there are hundreds of videos – one of these is on laminate wood and the other on wood. One of our readers pointed out Milk Paints that are 100% acrylic paints like General Finishes. Now that we are in full swing in painting and refinishing furniture, I wanted to share my thoughts on milk paint vs. chalk paint. If you are planning to apply the first coat, maybe on newly-made kitchen cabinets, chalk paint is the most suited. The video below has 4 chalk paint recipes and shows the different finishes they create. Thanks for this comparison, it’s just what I was looking for! Is there a way to achieve such a look with either of these paints? I love the countless looks you can get from using simple milk paint and chalk paint. Milk paint is thinner than chalk paint. I am going to use old 2″ thick barn board tongue and groove for the countertop. . Finish off with a wax or other sealer and you have a long lasting finish. Comes as a dry powder that. Does that work? I have only used milk paint – and only one kind, which I love and have used for vanities and even high traffic banisters. Thanks for the email! It can be made from milk and lime, generally with pigments added for color. However, it turns out … I’m sure it will be better than you expected! What I take from reading everything is if I want it to look smooth with no distressing I should use Chalk paint? It’s the calcium in the paint that give it a chalky finish. The downside is has a rough texture when dry and needs sanding between coats and may need some water added to it if it becomes clumpy. Thoughts?? Water-based. Hope you didn’t get this months after!! Hi Emily thank you so much for writing in. https://decoratedlife.com/7-painted-furniture-trends-trending-painting-techniques/ – this one has a few different effects that might help you too. And, it seemed a little daunting (esp when speaking to most people). Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Milk paint may be what I’m looking for and my long lost friend. Chalk paint classes are so expensive and depending on who is teaching, one can either paint a piece of wood or an actual piece of furniture. Some like to use a blender to get a frothy milk paint while others say its best to mix by hand. Hope it turns out close to how I have it imagined. Milk paint vs. chalk paint Milk paint, which really does have a milk base, is made up of entirely natural ingredients. Best thing… try it! Chalk paint usually ships complete and fully-mixed; before application, the paint must be stirred to redistribute the pigments. It is not shiny unless we use furniture polish on it regular. But read on for a few tricks of the trade. NOW…..what about “mineral paints”??? But chalk paint has a flat matte finish and milk paint imparts a … Both paints are mineral-based, with calcium carbonate as the chief mineral. Hi Jodi, what did you end up using on your kitchen cabinets? Some people choose milk paint because it is also non-toxic. I is supposed to be solid oak but I feel sure the side ends of it are probably a laminate of some sort. Or are milk paints and chalk paints basically interchangeable? Milk paint starts to get interesting when you layer paint colors on top of each other to create truly unique finishes. Both are water and mineral-based (mainly reliant on calcium carbonate) paints that emit no chemical odors and dry fast. Milk paint can be tricky and it depends on the surface and can chip easily. Hi Nancy for some reason I only received this now… very strange. I was wondering what your thoughts are (chalk vs. milk) on distressing barn wood/reclaimed wood. There is one big difference between milk paint and chalk paint – milk paint is not toxic. While chalk paint is often thought of as an antiquing finish, it can also be used to create a modern, smooth, streak-free texture by sanding down multiple layers with fine grit sandpaper. Still on the fence about buying or making your own chalk paint? Again, there is no prep work, priming or sanding. The color depends on the rest of your house and there are so many whites to choose from with different undertones. I have a dresser and crib that I need to re-finish for my daughters nursery. drive each way to purchase.). In the case of milk paint, it is having an organic ingredient milk protein whereas chalk paint is 100% inorganic. To get a smooth finish, strain the paint using a strainer or old pantyhose. Disclosure: this is my opinion and some of you might disagree. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Professional chair makers and painters apply multiple coats of different colors such as Lexington green as the base, followed by Barn Red and topped off with Pitch Black to create a subtle tortoiseshell appearance. Now, let’s look at some of the differences between the two famous paints. WELCOME. Milk paint can help you achieve the chippy distressed look, as it will flake away with sanding. Milk Paint VS Chalk Paint. You are a very good writer! Milk paint and chalk paint can be used effectively to create the desired effects, you wish to on objects, furniture and even bigger spaces like walls and glass windows with certain additional materials. She swore by General Finishes but this was all she used because of durability as she sanded and waxed everything. Each one has it’s own unique qualities and allows you to create a truly custom look. Milk paint comes as a dry powder base with separate dry pigments, all of which must be thoroughly mixed with water. Chalk paint is shipped full mixed and before the application, it should be stirred for redistributing the pigments. It is more expensive but a little goes a long way. General Finishes Milk Paint is only available at select retailers nationwide. There is a pic at the beginning of this blog that shows kitchen cabinets that were professionally done. If you are doing a large area like a kitchen and the price of using a store bought chalk paint like Annie Sloan looks prohibitive (read scary!) Chalk paint gives a very smooth finish. Chalk paint is much thicker and is made from ingredients like calcium carbonate, talc, and pigment. Can you please provide the link to the site that has this? Both paints are mineral-based, with calcium carbonate as the chief mineral. Chalk paint, milk paint, mineral fusion paint and latex paint all have different qualities that make them easy to use, but some work better than others, depending on your project. That was so helpful! Hi Helen for a smoother satin finish, it is probably best to stick with chalk paint. Do you have any experience with using AS or milk paint and sealing with GF? Like some of the others above, I am new to this world. If you wish to make your own custom color, you will need to mix one chalk paint with another chalk paint rather than mixing dry pigments. Color pigments are added to change the tint of the paint. Finish: The milk paint dried to a very matte finish that felt rough to the touch. Because of the lime in the base (as well as other stuff), it does give a somewhat chalky/milky finish but not as intensely as chalk type paints. Milk paint you do not have to put a top coat on but chalk paint you have to. It is extremely durable, often lasting for hundreds of years if protected from the elements. If you are using chalk paint for your kitchen cabinets, you should watch this video to see how they look after 2 years in a high traffic kitchen. Thank you! Chalk paint can be non-toxic or toxic depending on the supplier, so make sure you read the tin before buying. Chalk paint is completely odor-free, and most chalk paints will be completely dry to the touch within an hour or even less. I’ve found the pic of exactly what I’d want were I to go lighter! HA! Milk paint can get into the chippy state fairly quickly. Hi Beth Thank you for the email.. its Annie Sloan’s Amsterdam Green with a dark wax on top – but you could also use Graphite. You choice a neutral white/cream sounds perfect!! I have found that milk paint does show brush strokes much easier than chalk paint. I usually apply two coats to get the desired coverage. I know you like trying different brands so this is one you should try out. Chalk paint is 100-percent inorganic. » Primary Sidebar. I enjoyed reading your blog. Most often sold in powder form, milk paint tends to cost less than chalk paint, but it must be manually mixed with water before application, lending it an overall thinner texture. I’m looking to start with a pair of candlestick holders and a small mirror, just to test. Hi Lisa if you are using Annie Sloan you can just paint! Blending Chalk Paint Distressing Dixie Belle Paint DIY Furniture Painting General … Sorry, to sound vague but each piece can react differently to these paints. Thank you! Hi Chris this sounds like a big job and to make your life a little easier you might be better off using Annie Sloane’s Chalk paint. Thank you for your fantastic informational blog! Some milk paint companies even sell paint specifically for that chippy look. Which tools do you use, and which paints? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkmam0K255M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6yv-F_HRIA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPMAwSAO5LU http://amzn.to/2gVPOqL. ???? I found this great video that also explains the differences between the two paints. Milk paint is non toxic and the better health choice. You may need more than one coat. You can make your own paint following the video below or buy ready made powders and just add water. Paints have long been based on foodstuffs such as eggs and olive oil, so it makes sense to use milk proteins as a natural binder for paint. It also depends on the surface you are painting on. The wall paint doesn’t need a finish. Both paints result in a matte finish. However, chalk paint has no smell after it is applied. Both milk paint and chalk paint are water-based and have a very low amount of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Thank you for the recommendation – I will add it to the list. Thanks for reaching out. You can age it with simple sanding or distressing and, most of the time, all you need it one coat of paint. Eco-Friendliness Very safe; all natural; non-toxic. I came upon your blog and I’m so glad I did. a positive review . With the chalk paints however, you will find that it is easy to create a number of effects that will make the objects being painted adopt just about any look. I will have to give it a try. They are easy to mix and thin. Great article! Watered down chalk paint will look similar to milk paint but milk paint can have a more ‘chipper’ or distressed look about it, whereas chalk paint can have a more solid, powdered look. Good luck! Chalk Paint Vs Milk Paint. Some people like to do a little prep work but its not necessary. Milk paint is also water based but contains milk protein. how many square feet does a quart of Annie Sloan’s chalk paint cover? 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Love finding new ways of doing things – you should watch this video. Great nephew, milk paint and chalk paint is organic and chalk paint does show strokes... Subject seems inexhaustible but i hope this answers some General questions over Youtube if want! Same look following some of you might afford me! wearing for your newsletter in case info. Though adding a beeswax coating will give it a chalky finish sanding between coats but. Apply two coats to get the same as chalk paint comes in mixed liquid...