Hey everyone! 
I recently took the plunge into using milk paint for a vintage dresser I’m refurbishing. I’ve been on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, and after trying out a few natural paints, I decided to give Real Milk Paint Co. a shot. Their product is made from all-natural ingredients like milk protein, lime, and earth pigments, which really aligns with my sustainability goals.
However, I quickly learned that milk paint has its quirks, especially for a beginner like me. The biggest challenge was getting the consistency right. It’s a powder you mix with water, and finding the perfect ratio was a bit of trial and error. Too watery, and it doesn’t cover well; too thick, and it’s hard to apply smoothly. I also found that it dries super fast, which is great for quick projects but means you have to work quickly and can’t really take breaks mid-application.
Another thing I noticed is that milk paint adheres differently to various surfaces. It worked beautifully on raw wood but required a bonding agent for previously painted or sealed surfaces. This was a bit of a learning curve for me, but I’m getting the hang of it.
I’m curious to hear from others who’ve tried milk paint. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Any tips for a newbie like me on getting the perfect consistency or applying it to tricky surfaces? Also, if you’ve tried other brands of milk paint, how do they compare? Let’s share our experiences and help each other out! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane! I totally feel you on the consistency struggle. When I first started with Real Milk Paint Co., I found that using a kitchen scale to measure the powder and water by weight made a huge difference. It took a few tries, but I landed on a ratio that works for me. Also, adding a bit of water as you go can help manage the drying time. Have you tried that?
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I’ve been using milk paint for a while now, and I agree, the learning curve can be steep! One thing that helped me was watching a few tutorials on YouTube. Seeing how others mix and apply it gave me some great insights. Also, I found that The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company has a slightly different formula that’s a bit more forgiving for beginners. Might be worth checking out!
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@GreenThumb88 That’s a great tip about the kitchen scale! I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll definitely give it a try on my next project. Adding water as I go sounds like a good strategy too. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m just starting out with milk paint too, and I’m curious about the bonding agent you mentioned. Can you recommend a specific product? I have a few pieces with sealed surfaces that I’d love to try it on.
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@NatureLover23 I used Real Milk Paint Co.'s Ultra Bond and it worked really well for me. Just make sure to follow the instructions for mixing it with the paint. It’s a game-changer for sealed surfaces!
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I’ve tried a few different brands of milk paint, and I have to say, the color options from Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint are amazing. They have such vibrant, rich colors. The application is pretty similar across brands, but I found their paint to be a bit easier to mix to the right consistency. Just my two cents!
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@DIYQueen I’ve heard great things about Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint! I’ll have to give it a try, especially for projects where I want a bold color. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Does anyone have tips for applying milk paint to metal surfaces? I have an old metal cabinet I’d like to refresh, but I’m not sure if milk paint is the right choice.
@CraftyChris I haven’t tried milk paint on metal myself, but I’ve read that using a bonding agent is crucial for good adhesion. Maybe someone else here has direct experience with it?
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I love the eco-friendly aspect of milk paint, but I’m curious about its durability. Has anyone had issues with chipping or wear over time? I’m considering it for a kitchen table, but I want to make sure it can handle daily use.
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@SustainablyMe That’s a great question. I’ve only had my dresser finished for a few weeks, so I can’t speak to long-term durability yet. I did apply a natural wax finish over the paint for extra protection. Maybe others have more experience with this?
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For those struggling with the fast drying time, I recommend working in smaller sections and having all your tools ready before you start. It’s a bit of a juggle, but it helps prevent the paint from drying out before you’re done. Also, keeping a spray bottle of water handy to mist the surface can extend the working time slightly.
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@ArtisanAlex Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely try the spray bottle trick. It sounds like it could really help with larger projects.
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the mixing part. It’s like, one minute you think you’ve nailed it, and the next, it’s either soup or cement. What worked for me was using a kitchen scale to measure the powder and water by weight. It’s a bit extra, but it takes the guesswork out. Also, a little tip: adding a drop of dish soap can help with the consistency and make it easier to apply.
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Yeah, the drying time is no joke. I learned the hard way that you can’t really step away once you start. I started working in smaller sections and keeping a spray bottle of water handy to mist the area I’m working on. It helps slow down the drying just enough to keep things manageable. Also, have you tried using a bonding agent like you mentioned? It’s a game-changer for those tricky surfaces.
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I’ve been down the milk paint road too, and I agree, it’s a bit of a learning curve. One thing that helped me was using a high-quality natural bristle brush. It made a huge difference in the application, making it smoother and more even. Also, I found that experimenting with different amounts of water in the mix on a test piece before committing to the actual project saved me a lot of headaches.
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I’ve tried both Real Milk Paint Co. and The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company, and I have to say, they each have their pros and cons. The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company’s formula is indeed more forgiving, especially for beginners. But I found that Real Milk Paint Co. has a richer color payoff. It really depends on what you’re looking for in your project. Have you experimented with adding pigments or dyes to customize the color?
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I’ve tried milk paint on metal before, and it’s definitely doable but requires some prep work. First, make sure to clean the metal surface thoroughly to remove any grease or rust. Then, sand it lightly to create a texture the paint can grip onto. I also recommend using a bonding agent specifically designed for milk paint to ensure it adheres well. It might take a couple of coats, but the finish can look really unique and vintage.
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Milk paint on metal? That’s a tough one. I’d suggest going for a primer first, something that’s made for metal surfaces. After that, the milk paint should stick better. But honestly, for metal, I usually go with chalk paint. It’s easier to work with and gives a similar matte finish without all the hassle.