FAQS

Our new formula is made from four 100% natural ingredients that you can actually pronounce - casein (milk protein), lime (calcium hydroxide), natural pigments and plant-based filler. These ingredients make our MilkPaint™ food-contact safe.

MilkPaint™ is now 100% eco-friendly. It is biodegradable and compostable! It can safely be broken down through natural processes in the environment. You can discard it with the confidence that it won’t hurt the planet (or your septic system)!

MilkPaint™ contains NO VOCs. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs can be a major source of air pollution both inside and outside your home. Our paint won’t produce these harmful fumes. MilkPaint™ has a natural (and safe) earthy smell that dissipates as the paint dries.

These are two totally different kinds of paint. Both have advantages and disadvantages and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the similarities and differences:

Milk paint comes in powdered form and needs to be mixed with water. Chalk-based paints come in liquid form and have a limited shelf-life.

When milk paint is used on raw wood it soaks in and becomes part of the substrate, which means it will never chip or peel. Chalk-based paints have good adhesion, however they sit on the surface and can result in possible peeling.

Milk paint will show wood grain in most cases and can also be used as a stain. Chalk-based paints are thicker and will cover wood grain.

Milk paint can be distressed and/or crackled. It will resist on some finishes giving an authentic chippy, aged look. Chalk-based paints can be distressed and/or crackled with a medium, but will never chip.

MilkPaint™ is made from simple ingredients, contains no VOCs, is completely organic and biodegradable, as well as non-toxic and food-contact safe. Chalk-based paints vary by manufacturer.

This depends on the surface being painted and how much water is added while mixing. The paint coverage will be different on raw wood and porous surfaces vs. shiny, previously finished pieces that might require bonding agent. Typically one quart of white will cover approximately 50-70 sq. ft, whereas a darker color will cover 70+ sq. ft.

Use MilkGrip™ Bonding Agent when you do not want any chipping, i.e. on glass, metal, previously finished, and other slick surfaces. MilkPaint™ will resist or chip if it cannot adhere. The ratios of Bonding Agent can be adjusted depending on the type of surface. Do not use Bonding Agent when white-washing, staining, or if you desire a “chippy look”. Remember that painting a pre-finished surface without sanding and/or using Bonding Agent can be unpredictable.

MilkWax™ is used as a protective topcoat. It’s similar to other waxes on the market, however it is creamier with low odor.

MilkWax-ECO™ is a premium natural food-contact-safe wax that creates a durable, washable finish with a soft luster. It should NOT be applied over other finishes and works best over raw wood, milk painted, and water or oil-based stained surfaces.

Yes, you can use other waxes on MMS MilkPaint™ and you can use MMS MilkWax™ on acrylic, chalk/clay paints, flat latex, stained wood, etc.

MilkWax-ECO™ should NOT be applied over other finishes and works best over raw wood, milk painted, and water or oil-based stained surfaces.

Our antiquing wax was developed specifically for painted finishes. Some tinted waxes are meant to be used as a wood stain/wax in one. Those waxes are saturated with pigments and can look heavy or streaky if not mixed with clear wax or mineral spirits. Antiquing wax has a small amount of pigment, and works similar to a glaze. It is also low odor and is applied the same as furniture and white wax.

Hemp Seed Oil is natural, so it’s the ideal finish for customers who have skin sensitivities. It’s a food-contact safe finish that can be used on butcher block counters and kitchen tables. Hemp Seed Oil is also great for projects that will be used outside. It is also great for direct sunlight and warm rooms because wax will break down and emulsify in extreme heat. For an extra durable interior top coat, apply a coat of Hemp Seed Oil and let dry (12 – 24 hours), followed by wax. Remember wax over oil, never oil over wax.

MilkCoat™ is recommended for high-traffic areas where water, grease and stains may be an issue. It’s a water-resistant finish that can withstand household cleaning products.

Powdered MilkPaint™ should be kept out of reach of children. Once mixed by an adult it is safe under adult supervision.

(Note the safety guide)

Milk Paint is a powdered paint that has been around for thousands of years. It was found in the pyramids in Egypt and has been used in America for years on furniture, walls, barns, etc. It is a versatile paint that can be used to achieve a variety of looks from chippy and distressed to smooth and sleek.

Our new MilkPaint™ formula is made from four 100% natural ingredients that you can actually pronounce - casein (milk protein), lime (calcium hydroxide), natural pigments, and plant-based filler.

There are many ways to mix MilkPaint™. MilkPaint™ can be a stain or a solid opaque paint depending on how much water you add.

For a solid opaque look: Mix one part water to one part powder. Add water to container/jar first, then add powder and mix with a whisk, electric milk frother or blender. You can add MilkMix-EZ™ Anti-Foaming Agent to help the MilkPaint™ incorporate and reduce foam. Mix until you have a consistency of table cream. Make sure to test the consistency on a small samples. If your paint brush drags during application, the mixture is too thick, so add a touch of water. If paint is dripping from your brush, your mixture is too thin, so add a touch of powder. Adjust as required, and start painting!

*Note: Mixing MilkPaint™ can be like baking bread and the amount of water required will vary based on the humidity of the day and location. It can also vary depending on the amount of pigment in the color being mixed.

Yes! When MilkPaint™ is used on raw wood, it soaks in and becomes part of the substrate, which means it will never chip or peel. MilkPaint™ will show wood grain in most cases and can also be used as a stain.

The chippy look is one of the most popular finishes for MilkPaint™, but it can sometimes be a bit tricky. Here are some things to consider:

1. What type of finish are painting? If it is sealed, shiny, or painted, you may need to sand to control the chipping. If it is raw wood or porous, the MilkPaint™ will adhere and will not chip or flake. A resist, like a wax puck or hemp oil needs to be used.

2. MilkPaint™ will not adhere to shiny, un-prepped surfaces and will create chips and flakes. It is possible to lose all of your paint if the surface is too slick and doesn’t have any “tooth” provided by sanding. To make the chips and flakes more predictable, sand and add bonding agent where more coverage is desired.

*Super chippy pieces will need to be sealed with MilkCoat™. Do not use hemp oil or wax as it will not prevent continued chipping.

YES, MilkWax™ and MilkWax-ECO™ are durable. If MilkWax™ is marred, just lightly sand and add another coat of wax. Refinishing the entire piece is not required.

MilkWax-ECO™ creates a scrubbable surface, ideal for butcher block countertops, cuttingboards, etc.

MilkWax™ Antiquing has dark pigment that will create an aged effect. MilkWax™ White creates a white washed effect. MilkWax™ Clear is clear and will intensify your chosen color. MilkWax™ Gray and Saddle Brown give softer definition to painted pieces

Hemp Seed Oil is an all-natural alternative to wax. It will absorb into your milk painted surface, creating a semi-durable finish. Hemp oil is great for bringing old finishes to life. It is also great for reviving dry tired wood, metal, leather and more.

Yes. Your project should be cleaned thoroughly prior to painting. Light sanding will promote adhesion but will not completely prevent chipping. You can simply mix the MilkGrip™ Indoor/ Bonding Agent with all coats of paint for optimum adhesion. If the “chippy” look is desired, do not use the Bonding Agent and do not sand the piece.

Surfaces like teak can be difficult. The natural oils in this wood will most likely bleed through. If the wood is dry and/or weathered, it becomes a good candidate for MilkPaint™. To prevent bleed through apply a layer of shellac prior to painting and may require MilkGrip™ Indoor/Bonding Agent.

Avoid inhalation, as well as contact with eyes and skin. The Lime in our MilkPaint™ can be an irritant. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. Wear NIOSH certified mask for dust.

Keep powdered MilkPaint™ out of reach of children.

In case of contact with eyes, flush with cool water, remove contact lenses, if applicable, and continue flushing. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.

In case of skin irritation, flush with cool water and wash with soap and water. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.

In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Obtain medical attention. Never give anything by mouth if the victim is unconscious or is convulsing.

Our MilkPaint™, MilkOil™ Indoor/Hemp Seed Oil, and MilkWax-ECO™ are natural and food-contact safe. This makes them safe to come into contact with a child's mouth. Always allow the finishes to fully cure prior to use. We always suggest checking with your child’s doctor if you have a question about any item that may come into contact with your baby.