I have been wanting to try milk paint for a while now, but did not want to order it online (because of shipping). I ended up finding a small store somewhat nearby that sells its, but they only had 4 left to choose from. A brown, two greens and a blue. I was hoping for a blue-green color, I decided on Federal Blue. Since I have never used it before I wanted to try it on a piece that I had spent under $5 on incase I did not like the way it turned out… but I had nothing, so this was the candidate. A large/oversized side table. (Sorry the before photos are not great, I was inside and using my phone… at least I have before pictures!)
It was not in great condition. There were scratches on the top and the legs were beat up. Since Milk Paint requires no sanding/prepping, I went right over the current finish on the table and hoped the dings and scratches would blend in and add to the character.
I mixed up a small amount to start with. I just used a large yogurt container we had and added warm water a little at a time untill I had the consistency I wanted.
BrookeCourt says
I like how this milk paint turned out. Not my interior style either but like the effect. Will give it a go too. 🙂
Teri Broberg says
Your experience is perfectly normal. It does most of the chipping after the second coat. I much prefer the Safepaint. In fact, I love it! It is much easier to work with. Very predictable. It also has a beautiful shine after waxing. By the way, the Sea Green will be darker than you might expect. It looks more like the sea if you mix a little white in it (or a lot depending on your taste). Good luck.
Teri Broberg says
Regarding the wax, I use an all natural wax (CC Caldwell's), and the wax really makes the paint come alive. I don't know if that helps you or not.
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
I'm glad to hear that safepaint might work better! I'll have to see how dark the color ends up being
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
I have been debating whether or not to invest in a more expensive wax. This is helpful, thanks!
Unknown says
Have you ever heard of Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint? I have a furniture consignment store in Seattle and we are thinking of carrying it soon. We've used it a few times and I know several people who have as well. It has amazing results! Can't wait to see if you try it!
You can find our store on facebook and online: http://www.foundconsignment.com
Kim @ colorsmixedtogether.blogspot.com says
I had the same experience that I blogged about with milk paint. You just never know what you are going to get. Personally, I love the table and think it turned out beautiful!
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
I do kind of like the look, it has a cool effect, but it is just not my style. If it were a solid bright/royal blue color I would have kept it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
House Crazy in Michigan! says
Popped over from MMM tonight. Looking at your Federal Blue milk paint table….I'm in the middle of a similar experience. My first time using milk paint – also blue. It's acting really weird and is awfully bright blue. Holding my breath!
Donna Allgaier-Lamberti / White Oak Studio Designs / SW Michigan
Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
Facebook: donnaallgaierlamberti@facebook.com (To see a portfolio of painted pieces for sale)
Sayuri says
I think it's beautiful! I love the way it's chipped:)
When I used Tricycle, I was hoping it'd chip but it didn't…..at all….even though I didn't mix any bonding agent!!
But it distressed beautifully and I was happy with the end result.
In case you'd like to see my post about milk paint:)
http://vintagebreeze.blogspot.ca/2012/12/mms-milk-paint-tricycle-side-table.html
Phyllis @Around the House says
The table turned out beautiful, love the federal blue, and it sure updated that table with the wonderful shape…The tutorial was very good and easy to follow, loved all your detailed pictures…I am a new follower of yours and will be back to see more…come on over for a visit…
Marian says
This was such a helpful post! I know it didn't work out the way you wanted, but I think it's super cool. It was so nice to hear your process. If you like a non-peely finish that is still rustic, you should totally go with chalk paint. I think the peeling is the point of the milk paint. Thanks for giving me the courage to try it enhanced with a more idea of what to expect. I will be using milk paint on wooden boxes and frames. It's not really my look in large doses, but I like a little chipping here and there.
livingsimplyfree says
I have used milk paint quite a bit and never had the trouble you are having, but milk paint was made to be used on bare wood, so I always sand my pieces first which may be the solution, you might want to give it another try but sand the piece first.
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
Yes, I definitely learned that if I want it to stick better on a piece with a smoother finish it needs to be roughed up a bit! I still have half the package of milk paint left so I will eventually have another milk paint piece to share. Thanks for visiting!
Reeves @ The Weathered Door says
I'm glad you found it helpful! The milk paint gave the table a really cool finish, it is just not a piece I would keep and use. Hopefully when I try the paint again it will not chip as much as this table. I want some chipping… just not too much 😉 Like you, I can handle it in small amounts, I just don't like everything distressed!
Unknown says
Let me chime in about the "chippiness" of your milk paint project. Milk paint wants a porous surface to adhere to- it was developed to be be used on bare wood or other porous surfaces, just like the package says. We have a product called Extra-Bond that you can mix into the first coat of milk paint that will help it adhere to most clean, sound surfaces. Many people are bypassing this step who want the "chippy look". The paint will chip and flake off somewhat unpredictably on a previously finished surface without the Extra-Bond, and sometimes does so even more with a second coat.
We recently developed our SafePaint milk paint formula for walls, but have found it will stick to just about any surface, even metal- with no need for Extra-Bond. Hope that helps! ~Anne from the Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company