Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads. I’m torn between using milk paint and lime wash for my living room walls. Both have their unique charm and eco-friendly credentials, but I’m really curious about how they hold up over time.
I’ve previously used Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint on a few furniture pieces, and I love the matte finish and the fact that it’s made from all-natural ingredients like casein and lime. However, I’m a bit concerned about its durability on walls, especially in a high-traffic area. On the other hand, I’ve heard that Bauwerk lime wash offers a beautiful, breathable finish that’s perfect for walls, but I wonder if it can withstand the test of time without frequent touch-ups.
Has anyone here used either milk paint or lime wash on their walls? How have they held up over the years? I’m particularly interested in experiences with surfaces that see a lot of action, like living rooms or kitchens. Also, any tips on application or maintenance would be greatly appreciated!
Let’s share our stories and help each other make more informed, sustainable choices for our homes. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and experiences! 
I’ve used Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint on a few projects, including a coffee table and a bookshelf. The finish is indeed beautiful, but I share your concerns about durability on walls. For high-traffic areas, I’ve leaned towards lime wash, specifically Bauwerk, for its breathability and ease of touch-ups. Over the years, my lime wash walls have held up remarkably well, with minimal maintenance required.
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I’m a big fan of the aesthetic that milk paint brings to furniture, but for walls, especially in living spaces, I’ve found lime wash to be more forgiving. The key with lime wash is in the application—multiple thin coats can significantly enhance its durability. Also, the natural variations in color and texture over time add character to the walls, which I personally love.
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@GreenThumbGary Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s reassuring to hear that lime wash can stand up to the test of time with proper care. Do you have any specific maintenance tips for lime wash walls?
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@EcoPainterJane Absolutely! The main thing is to avoid harsh cleaners. A soft, damp cloth is usually all you need for dust or light stains. For tougher spots, a mild soap solution works wonders. Also, keeping the room well-ventilated helps prevent moisture buildup, which can affect the lime wash over time.
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I’ve experimented with both milk paint and lime wash in different areas of my home. While milk paint offers a unique, vintage look, I’ve noticed it can chip in high-traffic areas. Lime wash, on the other hand, has been more resilient. However, it’s worth noting that the substrate preparation is crucial for both. A well-prepared surface can significantly enhance the durability of either finish.
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@NatureNed That’s a great point about substrate preparation! Could you share any tips or resources on how to properly prepare walls for lime wash or milk paint?
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@EcoPainterJane Sure thing! For both finishes, start with a clean, dry surface. Any existing paint should be sanded to ensure good adhesion. For lime wash, applying a primer specifically designed for mineral paints can make a big difference. For milk paint, a bonding agent mixed into the paint can help it adhere better to non-porous surfaces. There are some great tutorials online that go into more detail—I’ll try to find a couple and share them here.
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I’ve been using milk paint on my walls for about three years now, and honestly, it’s held up better than I expected. Sure, in high-traffic areas, it shows wear, but that’s part of the charm for me. It gives the walls character. Plus, touching up milk paint is pretty straightforward. Just sand the area lightly and reapply. It blends in seamlessly.
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Lime wash all the way for me. I tried milk paint on a small section of my wall, and while it looked great initially, it started to chip in areas that get a lot of sun. Switched to lime wash, and it’s been a game-changer. The finish is so breathable, and it’s been years without any significant wear. Plus, the natural variations in color over time are stunning.
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I think it really depends on the look you’re going for. Milk paint gives that soft, matte finish that’s hard to replicate, but if durability is your main concern, lime wash might be the better option. I’ve used both in different parts of my home and found that lime wash in the kitchen and bathrooms, where moisture is a factor, has been a better choice.
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Just a heads-up for anyone considering milk paint: it can be a bit finicky to apply. You really need to prep the surface well, and even then, it might not adhere perfectly in some spots. That said, once it’s on, it’s on. I’ve had mine for five years, and aside from a few touch-ups, it’s been great. But yeah, lime wash is definitely easier to work with.
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I’m team lime wash, especially after seeing how it ages. It develops this beautiful patina that milk paint just can’t match. And when it comes to maintenance, it’s a breeze. A quick wash with soap and water, and it looks as good as new. I’ve used it in my living room and hallway, and it’s held up incredibly well against daily wear and tear.
Interesting to hear everyone’s experiences. I’ve been on the fence about which to choose for my bedroom. I love the idea of milk paint for its eco-friendliness and the unique finish, but the durability of lime wash is tempting. Maybe I’ll do a test patch of each and see which one I like better after a few months. Has anyone else done a side-by-side comparison?
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I’ve used both milk paint and lime wash in different areas of my home. For walls, especially in high-traffic areas, I lean towards lime wash. It’s not just about durability; the way it ages adds a unique charm to the space. Milk paint is fantastic for furniture, giving that antique look, but on walls, it can chip and require more maintenance.
Interesting take! I went with milk paint for my living room walls a couple of years ago, and honestly, it’s held up better than I expected. Sure, there are a few chips here and there, but they add character. I think it really depends on the specific brand and how it’s applied. Multiple thin coats, as you mentioned for lime wash, work wonders for milk paint too.
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I’m team lime wash all the way for walls. The breathability factor is a huge plus, especially in older homes where moisture can be an issue. Plus, touching up lime wash is so easy and blends seamlessly, unlike milk paint which can sometimes show the patches. For anyone considering, definitely do a test patch to see how it looks in your space.
Has anyone considered the environmental impact of sourcing the materials for these paints? I know both are marketed as eco-friendly, but I’m curious about the sustainability of the ingredients, especially for milk paint. Lime seems more abundant, but what about the casein in milk paint? Just something to think about for those of us trying to make the greenest choice possible.
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I’ve been experimenting with both in my studio space. Lime wash wins for walls, hands down. The texture and depth it adds are unmatched. Milk paint is great for smaller projects, but for large areas, the consistency of lime wash is easier to manage. Plus, it’s more forgiving if you’re a DIY newbie like me.
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For those worried about durability, have you looked into sealers or topcoats for milk paint? I’ve heard that can help with the chipping issue, though it might change the finish a bit. I’m considering trying it out in my kitchen to see if it can handle the moisture and heat better. Anyone have experience with that?
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