How to Choose Between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint and How to Use Them

How to Choose Between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint and How to Use Them:

When you're looking for a decorative finish for your projects and you have a choice between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint, there are some factors to consider to help decide which one is best for your specific needs.

Things to Consider Before Deciding on Milk Paint or Chalk Paint:

• Type of project
• Type of material
• Sheen desired
• Finished look

How to Use Milk Paint:

Milk Paint is a true paint that comes in a powder form, made mostly from natural materials such as lime, clay, and chalk. It can be mixed with water to be used like regular latex paint, or it can be applied with a brush, rag, or foam for a more textured paint job. Most packagers provide a simple recipe for mixing it with water.

How to Use Chalk Paint:

Chalk Paint is a type of furniture paint that provides easy application and smooth coverage with no priming or sanding necessary. Since it's a water-based paint, it's easily mixed with any latex paint pigments to create unique colors. Chalk Paint can be applied with any brush, roller, or sponge and can be wiped, sanded, and distressed for a more classic look.

Understanding the Differences Between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint

Understanding the differences between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint is an important step towards making an informed decision about which type of paint best suits your project. Milk Paint is a type of paint that is made from a blend of all-natural pigments, chalk, and other ingredients. It is one of the oldest types of paint and gives a vintage feel with its thin but highly pigmented and washable finish. Chalk Paint, on the other hand, is a newer type of paint that was designed to adhere to surfaces with minimal sanding and prep. It has a creamy, thick consistency and when properly sealed, it is washable and more durable.

Choosing Between Milk Paint and Chalk Paint

Before deciding which type of paint to use, consider the type of material you are painting. Milk Paint works best on porous materials like wood, cement, brick, and plaster. It is also great for stenciling, as it will not bleed beneath the stencil and won’t be affected by direct sunlight. If you are painting a non-porous material like metal, tile, and even some plastics, Chalk Paint is the better choice. It will adhere to these materials without sanding, and will provide a thicker, more opaque coverage.

Using Milk Paint

Before using Milk Paint, make sure to mix it thoroughly and strain out any lumps that may have formed. It is also important to have a damp cloth and some mineral spirits ready to go in case the paint runs. To apply the paint, you can use a brush, roller, or sprayer. Once it is dry, it can be sanded for a smoother finish, or even washed with a damp cloth if desired. Be sure to seal it with a quality sealant like clear wax, polyurethane, or shellac.

Using Chalk Paint

Chalk Paint also requires mixing before use. When painting with chalk paint, you should use a brush with a synthetic-bristle to ensure a smooth and even application. It is also important to work in thin layers and to let them dry between coats. Once the paint is dry, you can distress the surface for a unique vintage look if desired, or seal it with a wax or sealant for protection.