Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my home renovation project, and I’m particularly intrigued by milk paint for my kids’ rooms. I’ve heard it’s one of the most eco-friendly options out there, made from simple ingredients like milk protein, lime, and natural pigments. I’m considering trying out the Real Milk Paint Co. brand, as they seem to have a great reputation among the green living community.
Before I take the plunge, I’m curious about your experiences. Has anyone here used milk paint in high-traffic areas like kids’ rooms? How did it hold up against the inevitable crayon marks and sticky fingerprints? I’ve previously used Eco Paints in my living room, which worked well, but I’m looking for something even more natural this time around.
Also, I’m wondering about surface compatibility. My kids’ rooms have a mix of plaster walls and wooden furniture. Does milk paint adhere well to both, or would I need to prep the surfaces differently? And from an environmental standpoint, how does milk paint compare to other natural paints in terms of sustainability and indoor air quality?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or any brands you swear by. Let’s make our homes safer and greener, one room at a time! 
I’ve used Real Milk Paint Co. in my kids’ playroom, and it’s been a game-changer! The colors are vibrant, and it’s held up surprisingly well against the chaos of daily play. I did notice that it requires a good primer for plaster walls, but once it’s on, it’s durable. For wooden furniture, it adheres beautifully without much prep. Definitely recommend giving it a try!
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@GreenThumb88 That’s great to hear! Did you use any specific primer for the plaster walls? I’m trying to keep everything as natural as possible, so I’m curious if there’s an eco-friendly primer that works well with milk paint.
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@EcoPainterJane Yes, I used AFM Safecoat Primer. It’s low-VOC and worked perfectly with the milk paint. It’s a bit pricier, but worth it for the peace of mind and the finish it provides.
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I tried milk paint in my daughter’s room, and while I love the idea, it didn’t hold up as well as I hoped. The color faded in areas with direct sunlight, and it wasn’t as easy to clean as I expected. Maybe I did something wrong?
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@NatureLover23 Oh no, that’s disappointing to hear. Did you apply a topcoat? I’ve read that a natural wax or hemp oil topcoat can help with durability and cleanability. Maybe that could make a difference?
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@EcoPainterJane I didn’t use a topcoat, so that might be the issue. I’ll look into natural wax options. Thanks for the tip!
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I’m a big fan of milk paint for its eco-friendliness and the unique, matte finish it gives. However, it’s not the most forgiving paint to work with. It dries quickly, so you have to work fast. Also, the color can vary depending on the surface and how many coats you apply. But once you get the hang of it, the results are stunning!
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@DIYQueen Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll make sure to practice on some sample boards first. Do you have any tips for achieving consistent color?
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@EcoPainterJane Definitely mix more paint than you think you’ll need to ensure color consistency across batches. Also, applying a second coat can help even out the color. Just make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second.
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Has anyone compared milk paint to Earth Pigments? I’m torn between the two for my nursery project. I’m looking for something non-toxic and easy to clean, but also with a nice finish.
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@SunnyDays I haven’t used Earth Pigments myself, but I’ve heard good things. Maybe someone else here has experience with both? I’m curious about the comparison too!
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I’ve been curious about milk paint too, especially for my toddler’s room. The idea of using something so natural is appealing, but I’m worried about the durability. Has anyone had issues with it chipping or fading over time? Also, how does it handle cleaning? I imagine with kids, you’d need to wipe down walls more often than not.
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I used milk paint in my daughter’s nursery and loved the matte finish it gave. It felt so cozy and warm. However, I did find that it needed a protective topcoat to really stand up to the wear and tear. Without it, the paint did start to show marks more easily. But with the topcoat, it’s been great. Just something to consider if you’re thinking about high-traffic areas.
That’s interesting about the topcoat. I went with milk paint for my son’s room and skipped the topcoat, thinking it would be fine. It’s been okay, but I have noticed some areas where the paint has worn down, especially around the light switches and door frames. Maybe I’ll look into adding a topcoat now to protect it better. Has anyone used a specific brand of topcoat they’d recommend with milk paint?
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I’ve used milk paint in my son’s room and honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. The color is beautiful and the application was easy, but like you mentioned, it does fade in sunlight. I found that using a topcoat helped with durability and made it easier to clean. Maybe give that a try?
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I went with milk paint for my kids’ playroom and it’s held up surprisingly well. No fading issues here, but I did make sure to apply a protective sealant. It’s been a year and it still looks great, even with all the rough play. Definitely recommend a sealant if you’re worried about durability.
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I tried milk paint on an old dresser in my daughter’s room and it chipped within weeks. I was pretty disappointed. I think it might work better on walls than furniture, especially if the furniture gets a lot of use. Maybe stick to walls if you’re set on using it?
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Milk paint is amazing for that vintage look, but yeah, it’s not the most durable. I used it in my kid’s room and had to touch up spots more than I’d like. But, the non-toxic aspect is a huge plus for me. It’s a trade-off, but I think it’s worth it for the health benefits.
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I’ve heard that milk paint can be tricky with different surfaces. Did you use a bonding agent? I used one on my plaster walls and it adhered really well. As for cleaning, I use a damp cloth and it works fine for most marks. Maybe the brand you used wasn’t the best for your needs?
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