Create Perfectly Worn Finishes with Old Fashioned Milk Paint

September is here.  Fall is in the air.  And my promise to bring you pieces finished with Old Fashioned Milk Paint has begun.  

If you recall, I joined a group of blogger friends during the summer and we are all working with The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company to share how to use their paint on furniture and other surfaces.  And for milk paint, like all other paint products, there is a bit of a learning curve. Because of this, I began by practicing on a small side table.  

Today, I’m thrilled to share the exciting, albeit short, story about my first completed piece.

The story begins with this sad little side table that was originally taupe.  In its second life, it was subjected to a dreaded purple paint with a tobacco-colored glaze phase.  

And although the table worked well in terms of function, it was a little dark, dreary, and dated for the space.  Honestly, all it really needed was a fresh new color and finish.  

So that’s exactly what I did. I gave it a fresh new look.

And here’s how it happened.

I received free products from The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company in exchange for writing a review on the blog.  Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are 100% my own.

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Makeover:

Step 1:  Mix the Paint

Mix the milk paint with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. It’s really simple to do, but the directions do suggest to using very warm to hot water, stirring well, and letting the mix rest for at least 15 minutes before using. 

Step 2:  Apply the Paint

The middle photo below illustrates how I painted the piece too quickly after the paint was mixed. Ooooops!  Don’t be like me and get in a hurry. #RookieMistake

I needed to let the paint sit, mixed in the container, for at least another 5 minutes or so. This is because as the paint cooled off, it thickened to the right consistency and then covered beautifully.  The photo below, on the far right, illustrates coverage after the second coat. How about that yummy yellow?  I know!  Right?

I also needed to recognize that the milk paint’s properties may be influenced by applying it over a glaze sealer.

And no,

• I did not sand or otherwise prep the table since all of the previous treatments were with water-based products.  
• I did not use any bonding or crackling agents.  

For this trial run, I wanted to see how the paint mixes, covers, and finishes all by itself.

Step 3:  Apply More Paint

Repeat the process in Step 2 with a different color.  Notice that the first coat of green also did not provide complete coverage (Photo – below, middle).  #MoreRookieMistakes

But, Friends, do not despair.

Simply let the paint dry and apply a second coat. Complete coverage is just a few brush strokes away (Photo – right).  

  Practice pieces are great first projects.

Step 4:  Distress by Wet Buffing

After the piece has completely dried, bring out the layers by wet buffing.  

• Find a clean, soft cloth.  
• Dampen it with room temperature water.
• Wipe the surface of the piece.  The paint will be removed as the surface is wiped (Photo – below, left)

Wet buffing is GREAT if the piece has to be refinished indoors. #NoDust

Step 5:  Topcoat with a Sealer

Once the piece is distressed to your liking, allow it to completely dry.  Then topcoat the finish with a sealer.

For this table, I chose to seal with a wax (Photo – below, center). This process is super easy, too.  

• Simply take another clean, soft cloth and work small amounts of wax onto and into the surface.
• Let the wax sit for a minute and then buff.  

This finish LOVES to be hand rubbed.  The more it is gently rubbed, the more rich and deep the final finish becomes (Photo – below, right).

Step 6:  Admire Your Work

Notice the amazing layers of color amid the delicious crinkley and crackley finish.  This photo was taken with my macro lens.  #NerdAlert

When the macro lens is removed and a photo is shot with the regular lens, the finish is still visible, although to a lesser degree (Photo below).  The key for this piece is that the surprise crackley finish is subtle.  The focus is all about the layering of color and less about the crackley and chippy.

The True Milk Paint provides numerous types of finishes,

not just the infamous chippy.

And in my traditional home, I mainly use soft touches of worn finishes.  This allows me to incorporate current looks without having to completely change my overall design plan.

 By layering color with Old Fashioned Milk Paint, the table looks authentically old,

not like it was manufactured to look old.

And now, sporting a fresh new look, the table has been returned to its functional spot in the kitchen.

Three cheers for traditional decor

…..And for the good folks at The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company for helping us update our outdated pieces.  

For more information about these products and how to order, please visit www.milkpaint.com .

To see more pieces in a variety of finishes on chests and wardrobes, please follow me on your favorite social media. This fall, new pieces will be be featured at least once a month.

And remember, every look has its own refinishing technique…. so always pin the looks you love.

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