Milk Paint Help / Advice

[Larry C]

First time using milk paint. I am happy that I did get the "old look" I was hoping for. But the whole process seemed messy. So I am wondering what I might have done wrong.

This morning I painted my shelves for the bookcases I am making. I am using the powder from

mixed it according to the directions 1 - 1/2 cups water to 1 - 1/2 cups powder and it seemed like pudding, I also had lots of lumps. I added more water to get rid of the lumps. But the paint still seemed a bit "thick". I was afraid to add to much more water because I was afraid it would not cover.

I also used a foam brush (per the instructions in the package) and it was messy and the brushes fell apart. So I switched to a bristle brush and it looked terrible. So back to foam.

Going forward, is there a better way to apply than with a foam brush? Is the paint supposed to be that thick or did I mess up there.

Thanks

Larry C

[Leon]

I have only used General Finishes milk paint, it is sorta thick compared to varnish but not so much compared to an oil based paint. I used a good quality bristle brush and got good results. Milk paint is going to look different when compared to modern day latex and or oil based paints. Additionally many milk paints can be wiped off for a stained look so they are going to go on a lot like a stain to begin with.

[Joe]

I used milk paint from JE Moser and my experience couldn't have been more different. It was very thin, the consistency of water. I used a bristle brush and it went on very smoothly. I lightly touched it with sandpaper after it dried andd put on a second coat. It looked great. re: lumps, the instructions stated to mix it and let it sit, then remix.

[Jay Pique]

Whenever I have to mix powder with liquid I put in just enough liquid to make a thin paste to begin - that way you aren't chasing lumps around. Once it's smooth I add the rest of the liquid to thin it out. I actually learned this by eating sushi (the wrong way I've been told). I like to mix my wasabi in with the soy sauce to make a dipping sauce. Too much soy and the wasabi just floats in little lumps, running away from your chopsticks. Put just a little soy in and you're fine. This is how I mix up powdered urea formaldehyde glues. Works great.

JP

[SonomaProducts.com]