Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m at a crossroads. I’ve used both milk paint and lime wash in the past, and while I love their eco-friendly credentials, I’m curious about their long-term durability and cost-efficiency.
For those unfamiliar, milk paint is a biodegradable, non-toxic paint made from milk protein, lime, and natural pigments. I’ve had great experiences with brands like The Real Milk Paint Co., especially on furniture and cabinetry. On the other hand, lime wash is a breathable paint that’s perfect for porous surfaces like brick and plaster. I’ve used brands such as Romabio for exterior walls, and the results were stunning, giving a beautiful, weathered look that improves with age.
However, I’m wondering about the long haul. Does milk paint’s durability on furniture translate to walls? And how does lime wash hold up in high-traffic areas? I’m all for sustainability, but I also need to consider the practicality and cost of maintenance over time.
So, I’m turning to you, my eco-conscious community. Have you compared the durability of milk paint and lime wash in your projects? Which do you find more cost-efficient in the long run, especially considering reapplication and maintenance? Let’s share our experiences and tips to help each other make informed, sustainable choices for our homes. 
Great topic, @EcoPainter88! I’ve used both milk paint and lime wash in various projects. From my experience, milk paint tends to be more durable on furniture and cabinetry, as you mentioned. However, when it comes to walls, especially in high-traffic areas, lime wash has proven to be more resilient over time. It’s fascinating how each has its niche!
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Thanks for sharing, @GreenThumb99! It’s interesting to hear that lime wash holds up better on walls. Do you think the difference in durability is due to the surface type or the paint composition itself?
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I believe it’s a combination of both, @EcoPainter88. Lime wash is inherently breathable, making it ideal for porous surfaces like brick and plaster, which are common in walls. This breathability helps prevent peeling and flaking. On the other hand, milk paint adheres well to non-porous surfaces, making it perfect for furniture but less so for walls, especially in areas prone to moisture.
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I’ve only used milk paint so far, specifically on a set of chairs and a table. The finish is beautiful, but I did notice it requires a bit of maintenance to keep it looking fresh. Does lime wash require similar upkeep, or is it more ‘set it and forget it’?
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Great question, @SandyShore23! From my experience, lime wash does age beautifully and requires less frequent touch-ups compared to milk paint. However, it’s not entirely maintenance-free. Over time, you might need to reapply it, especially in exterior applications, to maintain its protective qualities and aesthetic appeal.
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Has anyone compared the cost over, say, a 5-year period between using milk paint and lime wash? I’m trying to budget for my next project and would love some insights on which might be more cost-efficient in the long run.
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That’s a great point, @UrbanJungle45. While initial costs can vary, considering the long-term maintenance and reapplication needs is crucial for budgeting. From what I’ve gathered, lime wash might edge out milk paint in cost-efficiency for walls due to its durability and lower maintenance requirements. However, for furniture, milk paint could be more cost-effective, given its durability on those surfaces.
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Interesting points, @EcoPainter88 and @Commenter! I’ve been leaning towards lime wash for my exterior walls because of its breathability and the unique patina it develops over time. But I’m curious, has anyone tried sealing milk paint with a natural sealant to enhance its durability on walls? I’ve heard that can be a game-changer, especially in high-traffic areas.
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I’ve experimented with both in my home, and I have to say, the choice between milk paint and lime wash really depends on the surface and the look you’re going for. For furniture, milk paint is unbeatable for that authentic, vintage vibe. But for walls, especially in humid areas, lime wash has been a lifesaver. It’s all about matching the right product to the right project. Has anyone else found that to be the case?
I’ve used both, and honestly, lime wash is more ‘set it and forget it’ for me. Especially on exterior walls, it ages beautifully and doesn’t need much upkeep. Milk paint, while gorgeous, does require more maintenance to keep it looking fresh, especially on furniture that gets a lot of use.
I think it really depends on the surface and the environment. I’ve had milk paint last years on indoor furniture with minimal touch-ups, but lime wash on my outdoor walls needed reapplication after a couple of years. So, for me, milk paint has been more cost-efficient in the long run.
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Lime wash all the way for durability, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s more forgiving and blends well with wear and tear, giving that sought-after patina over time. Milk paint is great for a specific look but can chip and needs more care.
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I’ve found that the key with milk paint is in the prep and the sealant. If you do it right, it can be pretty durable. Lime wash is easier to apply but can be tricky to get the consistency right. Both have their pros and cons, but for walls, I lean towards lime wash for its breathability and ease of maintenance.
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From my experience, lime wash is better for large areas and exteriors because it’s more resistant to weather and doesn’t fade as quickly. Milk paint is perfect for detailed work and furniture, but it’s not as durable against the elements. So, it really comes down to where you’re planning to use it.
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I’ve been experimenting with both for a while now, and I think the choice between milk paint and lime wash should also consider the aesthetic you’re going for. Milk paint offers a more uniform and vibrant color, while lime wash gives a more textured and natural look. Durability-wise, lime wash seems to hold up better outdoors, but milk paint can be surprisingly resilient indoors with the right finish.
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I’ve actually done a bit of a deep dive into this myself. Over a 5-year span, lime wash tends to be more cost-efficient for exterior walls, especially in climates that don’t see a lot of extreme weather. It fades beautifully and can be touched up easily without needing a full reapplication. Milk paint, while durable on furniture, might require more frequent touch-ups on walls, especially in high-traffic areas. So, if you’re budgeting for walls, lime wash might save you a bit in the long run.
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From my experience, milk paint has been a champ on furniture, but when it comes to walls, it’s a different story. I used it in a low-traffic area and still noticed it needed a touch-up after about 3 years. Lime wash, on the other hand, has been on my exterior walls for over 5 years now, and it’s holding up surprisingly well with minimal maintenance. The initial cost might be a bit higher for lime wash, but considering the longevity, it seems to balance out.
I think it really depends on the specific conditions of your project. I’ve used both, and while milk paint is fantastic for that vintage look on furniture, lime wash has been more durable on my exterior walls. The key with lime wash is the preparation and application; if done correctly, it can last a long time with just minor touch-ups. Milk paint might require more frequent full reapplications, especially in areas exposed to moisture or heavy use. So, for cost-efficiency over 5 years, I’d lean towards lime wash for walls and milk paint for furniture.
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