Wall Treatments
Milk Paint
Milk paint is among the oldest paint formulations, using milk protein (casein) as its binder mixed with lime and natural pigments. The result is a flat, penetrating finish with an authentic antique quality that modern paints cannot replicate—furniture in Colonial Williamsburg and Shaker communities was finished with milk paint.
Unlike surface-coating paints, milk paint soaks into porous surfaces, becoming part of the material rather than a film on top. This creates extraordinarily durable finishes that wear naturally over time, developing beautiful patina rather than peeling or chipping like modern paints.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Casein (milk protein) binder
- ✓Penetrating, not film-forming
- ✓Authentic antique appearance
- ✓All-natural ingredients
- ✓Can be chippy or smooth
- ✓Powdered or premixed
Types & Variations
Traditional powder milk paint
Pre-mixed milk paint
Bonding agent added (smooth)
Distressing milk paint (chippy)
Tung oil finished milk paint
Placement & Usage Tips
Best on raw wood, plaster, and porous surfaces. Can be smooth or deliberately chippy depending on application technique. Seal with oil or wax for durability.
💡 Pro Tip
For smooth adhesion, add bonding agent. For authentic chippy distressed look, omit bonding agent—paint will naturally chip at edges revealing wood beneath for genuine aged appearance.