Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m torn between two options for my interior walls: lime wash and milk paint. Both have their unique charms and eco-friendly credentials, but I’m curious about your experiences and preferences.
I’ve recently experimented with lime wash from [Brand X], and I’m impressed by its breathability and mold-resistant properties. It’s perfect for my old, moisture-prone walls. However, I’m also intrigued by milk paint from [Brand Y], known for its rich, matte finish and ease of application. I’ve heard it’s great for creating that rustic, vintage look I’m aiming for in my living room.
What’s your take? Have you tried either of these paints? How did they fare in terms of durability, ease of application, and overall aesthetic? Also, I’m particularly interested in how they perform on different surfaces like plaster and drywall. Let’s share our stories and tips to help each other make more informed, sustainable choices for our homes. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! 
I’ve used both lime wash and milk paint in my projects, and each has its place depending on the look and functionality you’re going for. Lime wash is fantastic for its breathability, especially in older homes where moisture can be an issue. It also has natural antibacterial properties, which is a huge plus. On the other hand, milk paint offers a unique, matte finish that’s hard to replicate with other paints. It’s perfect for achieving that vintage, rustic aesthetic. However, durability can be a concern with milk paint unless you seal it properly. For interior walls, I’d recommend considering the room’s humidity levels and the look you’re aiming for before making a decision.
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@EcoPainter23 Thanks for the insights! The antibacterial properties of lime wash are definitely appealing, especially for my bathroom project. Do you have any tips for applying lime wash on drywall? I’ve heard it can be a bit tricky.
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@GreenThumbGuru Applying lime wash on drywall requires some prep work. First, make sure the drywall is properly sealed with a primer that’s compatible with lime-based products. This helps prevent the lime wash from being absorbed too quickly, which can lead to uneven coverage. Apply the lime wash in thin, even coats using a masonry brush for the best results. It might take a couple of coats to achieve the desired opacity, but the effort is worth it for the unique finish and benefits it offers.
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I’m a big fan of milk paint for its eco-friendliness and the beautiful, matte finish it provides. I used it in my kitchen to create a vintage look, and it turned out amazing. One thing to note is that milk paint can be a bit unpredictable in terms of color consistency, which I actually love because it adds to the rustic charm. However, if you’re looking for a uniform color, this might not be the best option. Also, sealing is crucial to protect the paint from moisture and wear, especially in high-traffic areas.
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@RusticCharm The unpredictability of milk paint sounds intriguing! What type of sealer did you use in your kitchen to protect the paint?
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@GreenThumbGuru I used a natural, water-based polyurethane sealer. It’s eco-friendly and does a great job of protecting the milk paint without altering its matte finish. Just make sure to apply it in thin, even coats and allow plenty of drying time between coats.
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Has anyone tried mixing lime wash and milk paint for a project? I’m curious about the potential benefits and challenges of combining these two.
@NatureLover99 Mixing lime wash and milk paint is an interesting idea, but I’d be cautious. The chemical properties of each are quite different, and combining them could affect their performance and durability. Lime wash is alkaline, while milk paint is more neutral. This difference could lead to issues with adhesion and longevity. If you’re set on experimenting, I’d recommend doing a small test area first to see how they interact.
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I’ve been using lime wash for years in my countryside cottage, and it’s been a game-changer for dealing with damp walls. The natural look it gives is unbeatable, and it’s so easy to touch up. However, I’ve never tried milk paint. The idea of a matte finish sounds appealing for a more modern project I’m considering. Does anyone know if milk paint can be used over lime wash, or would that be a no-go?
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Milk paint’s charm is undeniable, especially for furniture. I used it on an old dresser, and the finish was stunning. But for walls, I’m a bit skeptical about its durability, even with sealing. Lime wash seems more practical for walls, especially in high-traffic areas. Has anyone had success with milk paint on walls in a busy household?
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I’m all for milk paint for that authentic, historical vibe. I used it in my Victorian home’s dining room, and it transformed the space. The key is in the preparation and sealing. I used a natural beeswax sealant, and it’s held up beautifully. Lime wash is great, but it can be a bit too stark for my taste. It really depends on the mood you’re going for.
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Just a heads-up for anyone considering lime wash, it can be a bit tricky to apply evenly, especially if you’re new to it. I found that using a damp sponge to even out the finish works wonders. As for milk paint, I love the depth of color you can achieve. It’s perfect for accent walls or furniture. But yeah, sealing is a must to protect your work.
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I’ve experimented with both in different rooms, and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Lime wash in the bathroom has been fantastic for moisture control, and milk paint in the living room gives it such a cozy, inviting feel. It really comes down to the specific needs of each space. Maybe we should talk about how to mix and match them in a single project for the best of both worlds?
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The environmental aspect is what drew me to both lime wash and milk paint. It’s reassuring to use products that are safe for the planet and for us. I’ve noticed that lime wash tends to fade beautifully over time, adding character to the walls. Milk paint, on the other hand, offers a consistency in color that’s hard to beat. Has anyone tried customizing the colors with natural pigments? I’m curious about the possibilities.
I’ve used both lime wash and milk paint in different parts of my house, and honestly, it really depends on the look you’re going for. Lime wash is fantastic for that soft, weathered look and it’s great for walls that need to breathe. But if you’re after that authentic, old-world charm, milk paint can’t be beaten. Just like you mentioned, the color inconsistency is part of its charm. I used it on a feature wall in my dining room, and the variations in color depth really added character. Just make sure to seal it properly, especially in areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
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Milk paint all the way for me! I love how it dries to a beautiful, velvety matte finish. I used it on my bedroom walls, and it transformed the space into this cozy, vintage haven. The application was a breeze, and I didn’t mind the slight color variations at all. It adds to the uniqueness of the finish. However, I did find that it required a couple of coats to get the depth of color I wanted. Also, sealing is a must, as you pointed out. It really helps in maintaining the look and durability of the paint over time.
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I’ve actually tried mixing lime wash and milk paint for a small accent wall in my bathroom. The result was a unique texture and depth that I really loved. However, it was a bit of a learning curve to get the mix right. Too much lime wash and it became too thin, too much milk paint and it lost that breathability. It’s definitely worth experimenting with on a small scale first.
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Mixing them sounds like a cool idea, but I’d be worried about the durability. Lime wash is known for its breathability, but milk paint can be a bit fragile, especially in high-traffic areas. Maybe it’s better suited for decorative pieces or less-used spaces? I’d love to hear if anyone has tested this combo in a more demanding environment.
I haven’t mixed them, but I’ve used both separately in different rooms. Lime wash in the bathroom for its mold resistance and milk paint in the bedroom for that soft, matte finish. Both have held up well, but I think mixing them could dilute their best properties. Maybe layering them could be a better approach to get the benefits of both without compromising their strengths.
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