Hey fellow green DIYers! 
I recently decided to give my old wooden chairs a fresh, eco-friendly makeover using Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint. I was super excited about the project, especially since I’ve been trying to switch to more sustainable materials in my home. However, I hit a snag—the paint didn’t adhere as well as I hoped, especially on the legs of the chairs. It got me thinking, did I not prep the surface properly? I did a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth, but maybe that wasn’t enough.
I’ve used AFM Safecoat’s products before with great success on walls, but this was my first time tackling furniture with milk paint. I love how natural and non-toxic it is, but I’m wondering if I missed a crucial step in the prep work. Should I have sanded the chairs more thoroughly or used a specific cleaner? Also, does anyone have tips on ensuring better adhesion on wooden surfaces, especially with milk paint?
I’m really curious to hear about your experiences with milk paint or any other natural paints. Have you faced similar issues? What prep steps do you swear by for furniture projects? Let’s share our eco-friendly painting adventures and learn from each other!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs with milk paint too! From my experience, surface prep is key. A quick wipe-down might not be enough, especially if there’s any old finish or grease on the chairs. I always start with a thorough sanding to rough up the surface a bit, which really helps the paint adhere. Then, I use a mix of vinegar and water to clean the surface. It’s eco-friendly and does a great job at removing any residues. Maybe give that a try next time?
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I’m a big fan of Real Milk Paint Co. as well! One thing I’ve learned is that milk paint loves porous surfaces. If your chairs have a glossy finish, the paint might not stick well. Sanding them down to remove the gloss and open up the pores of the wood can make a huge difference. Also, using a bonding agent mixed with the paint can improve adhesion on tricky surfaces. Just a thought!
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I didn’t think about using vinegar and water. I’ll definitely try that next time. How fine of a grit sandpaper do you usually use for the initial sanding?
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@DIY_Dave That’s a great point about the glossy finish. I think my chairs might have had a bit of that. I’ll look into the bonding agent too. Do you have a brand you recommend?
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I’ve been using Earth Pigments’ milk paint for a while now, and I’ve found that the key to good adhesion is not just in the prep but also in the application. Applying thin, even coats and allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next has worked wonders for me. Also, ensuring the room temperature and humidity are optimal can affect how well the paint sticks. Just sharing what’s worked for me!
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@NatureLover101 Thanks for the advice! I think I might have been a bit impatient with the drying times. I’ll pay more attention to that next time. Also, I hadn’t considered the room conditions. That’s a great tip!
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Just chiming in to say that I love how supportive this community is! I’m new to eco-friendly paints and learning so much from everyone’s experiences. Thanks, @EcoPainterJane, for starting this conversation!
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@SandyShore I’m glad you’re finding it helpful! I’ve learned a lot too. It’s amazing how much knowledge there is in this community. Welcome to the world of eco-friendly painting!
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Totally agree with the sanding tip! I’ve found that even a light sanding can make a huge difference in how well milk paint sticks. Also, if you’re dealing with really old furniture, sometimes there’s wax or polish buildup that needs to be stripped off first. I use a natural citrus-based cleaner for that. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it pays off in the end.
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I’ve had similar issues with milk paint not adhering well. What worked for me was using a bonding agent mixed into the paint. It’s still eco-friendly and really helps with adhesion, especially on smoother surfaces. Just a thought if you’re looking for another option besides sanding and cleaning.
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Interesting point about the vinegar and water mix. I usually go for a mild soap and water solution, but I’ll have to try the vinegar trick next time. Also, don’t forget about the importance of letting your surface dry completely before painting. Any moisture can mess with the paint’s ability to stick.
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I’m a big fan of using a tack cloth after sanding and before painting. It picks up all the fine dust that you might not see but can interfere with paint adhesion. It’s a small step, but it makes a noticeable difference in the finish. Plus, it’s reusable, so it fits right in with the eco-friendly theme.
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Has anyone tried using a primer before applying milk paint? I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether it’s necessary or not. I’m curious if it could help with adhesion issues, especially on surfaces that are a bit more challenging. Would love to hear if anyone has experience with this.
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Totally agree with the sanding tip! I had a similar issue with a vintage dresser. After sanding it down, the milk paint adhered much better. Also, I found that using a tack cloth after sanding to remove all the dust made a big difference. It’s all about that surface prep!
I’ve been using milk paint for years and the bonding agent is a game changer, especially on surfaces that aren’t super porous. Another trick I use is to lightly dampen the wood before applying the paint. It helps the paint soak in better. Just don’t overdo it or the wood can swell.
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Interesting point about the glossy finish. I wonder if using a deglosser would work as an alternative to sanding? I’ve used it before with other types of paint and it seemed to do the trick. Has anyone tried it with milk paint?
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I think the key with milk paint is patience. It’s not like regular paint where you can slap it on and expect it to stick. I always do a test patch first to see how it’s going to react with the surface. And yeah, sanding is a must for me too. It’s a bit more work but the results are worth it.
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Yeah, surface prep is crucial with milk paint. I always sand down to bare wood and then wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust. A damp cloth might leave residue or not remove oils. Also, consider using a bonding agent if the surface is really smooth or has a finish. It helps the paint stick better.
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I’ve had similar issues before. What worked for me was using a deglosser before painting. It etches the surface just enough for the paint to grip. Also, make sure your paint mix isn’t too thin. A thicker mix can help with adhesion on tricky surfaces.