FAQ - Milk Paint

So what is Milk Paint and how does it differ from other paints?

Milk Paint has been used for thousands of years to create timeless long-lasting pieces. Milk Paint is made from simple 100% natural ingredients like milk protein and natural pigments, so it's environmentally friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. It is sold in powder form - you just need to mix it with water to "make the paint".

Milk Paint and Chalk Paint have similar traits but they are not the same. Chalk paint is much thicker and is made from ingredients like calcium carbonate, talc and pigment. The finish and feel of chalk paint is more like a white acrylic matte paint. Chalk Paint is more expensive than milk paint but you don't have to mix Chalk Paint at home with water (although that's part of the fun!)

How do I mix the Milk Paint?

Mixing Milk Paint by Fusion is easier than making a protein shake. Combine 1 part warm water to 1 part powder and stir for 1 minute using a whisk. Watch as the Milk Paint easily dissolves into the water. This ratio will give you an opaque coverage. Depending on the colour of your Milk Paint and the colour you are covering, you may need anywhere from 1 to 3 coats. You can add more powder if you would like to thicken it more. I also recommend leaving it for about 10 minutes after mixing so it will thicken a little more - then give another good stir.

What is the finish of Milk Paint?

Milk paint produces a look and feel like no other paint, from a smooth and refined finish to a rustic chippy distressed look. The finish of milk paint depends on the surface it's used on. It resists surfaces that it can't be easily absorbed into so if painting onto a surface with a previously finished coating or wax, you can get the truly unique chippy look only doable with Milk Paint. You can really get creative with Milk Paint and achieve any look from a stain to a textured finish with one product. You're in control simply by how much water you add and how you prepare your piece.

With Milk Paint there are no brush strokes. Really, none! It mixes to thin paint, so it self-levels flawlessly.

Milk Paint will never chip or peel when applied to a porous surface such as bare wood or plaster.

With endless options for your final look, the versatility of Milk Paint by Fusion from one package is staggering. It's all in how you mix it, apply it and top coat it.

How do I prepare the furniture before using Milk Paint?

You don't need to sand or prime a piece before painting it with Milk Paint. But it depends on what you want to achieve. For example, if you want a vintage chippy paint then just clean well but don't scuff sand. Chances are you could get some lovely authentic-looking chips. Don't want chipping? No problem, then clean your piece and scuff sand the surface for good adhesion.

How can I get a smooth and refined finish with Milk Paint?

If you want a smooth and refined finish with Milk Paint, then you should sand the furniture and add a bonding agent such as Fusion Ultra Grip to the paint as this will create a more consistent finish. The ratio for this is equal part bonding agent to the liquid paint, so if you have 100ml of paint after mixing, add 100ml of bonding agent before applying. A high quality brush is also recommended.

What can I paint with Milk Paint?

Milk paint can be used on almost any kind of surface, both indoor and outdoor, without primer or sanding. Surfaces include wood, glass, plastic, drywall, plaster and even metal.

You will be able to apply Milk Paint to anything that is not a dull finish or bare wood such as laminate plastic, metal or glass by adding a bonding agent such as Fusion Ultra Grip to the paint. Mix equal part bonding agent to the liquid paint, so if you have 100ml of paint after mixing, add 100ml of bonding agent before applying.

How long does Milk Paint take to dry?

One of the best things about Milk Paint is how quickly it dries. You only need to wait 20-30 minutes (yep - speedy!) between coats. If the paint leaves a small amount of grit and texture behind, simply use a fine grit sandpaper and pass over it once or twice to smooth the surface. 

Do I need to topcoat Milk Paint?

Milk Paint is porous. While such paint products retain beauty over time and allow easy cleaning, they require a proper top coat sealer to protect the paint from watermarking, dirt and other contaminants. The top coat will seal and protect the paint and also bring out the true intensity of colour. It is recommended to stay away from the water-based coatings (that would be the matte and gloss tough-coat) since it can go a bit cloudy on Milk Paint. Tung Oil and Hemp Oil are great options. The oils absorb into the paint binding with it to provide a water-resistant and natural tactile finish. Tung oil is particularly good for Milk Paint because it has slightly more water resistance than hemp oil and is recommended for outdoor projects. Furniture wax can also be used. You can use both the oil and the wax if you like - the wax is always last. Check out the various top coats available from us here. The choice is yours!

Can I use it on outdoor furniture?

Milk Paint can be used on outdoor furniture provided it is sealed and maintained with an outdoor topcoat. Tung Oil and Hemp Oil are great options. Tung oil is particularly good for Milk Paint because it has slightly more water resistance than hemp oil and is recommended for outdoor projects. 

How long is the shelf life of Milk Paint by Fusion?

Unused powder can be stored indefinitely in an airtight container. 

You should try to only mix up the amount of paint needed for the project as once mixed, Milk Paint usually lasts for a few days if covered and put in the fridge. I have had reports of it lasting for months in the fridge, but it will achieve the strongest bond when applied fresh.

How much paint will I need for my project?

Each 330g bag will contain enough powder to mix up 1 litre of paint which covers approximately 7m2. With the 50g bag you will be able to do a small project of just under 1.5m2.  

Is Milk Paint food safe? Can I paint serving platters/charcuterie boards? 

Although Milk Paint by Fusion is non-toxic, the only completely food safe products in the Fusion range are Hemp Oil, Salad Bowl Finish and Beeswax. The issue with surfaces on which food is served and/or cut is the stains and pigments. A food safe staining option is cold strong coffee or tea.

Can I mix Milk Paint colours?

Yes! Milk Paint by Fusion comes in a variety of gorgeous curated mix-and-go colours but you can also create your own custom shades. Just remember to measure and record the ratios in case you want to make more.

Do you offer tutorials or workshops on using Milk Paint?

This is in the pipeline but first we are working on building up our online resources. You are more than welcome to contact us with any questions.

Check out the fantastic YouTube guides here for using Milk Paint by Fusion and other Fusion products.