Materials:
milk paint
mixing pail
stir stick
220-grit sandpaper
tack cloth
shellac
foam brush
Steps:
- In a clean plastic pail, measure out equal parts powder to equal parts warm water. Mix thoroughly using a paint stick. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it starts to thicken. Achieve different looks with milk paint by using it as a washing coat with a stain-like consistency by adding more water, or a full-body paint by mixing it equally.
- Sand the unfinished piece lightly to remove any rough edges and clean dust with a tack cloth or a damp rag. If using pine, seal any knotholes prior to painting or staining, so that the knot will not bleed through the finish. Do this by applying a little shellac around the spot with a foam brush and let it dry. Then sand the spot lightly.
- There's no need to prime first since the milk paint acts as a primer and seals the raw wood. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint and work across the piece (figure A). This product can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on. It dries quickly and another coat can be applied within an hour if desired. Use only one coat if satisfied. The first coat gives a flat look, but rubbing the surface with a rag provides a semi -gloss appearance.
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