11 Ways to Use Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Your Home
Updated: Nov. 11, 2021Even if you're not familiar with milk paint, you're probably familiar with the look. Milk paint, which can be made at home or purchased from several well-known paint companies, is a water-based paint that is nontoxic and can be made from milk and lime with pigments added for color. It's often used when refinishing old furniture and gives pieces that farmhouse or vintage look. Ready to give it a try? Here are 11 ways to use old-fashioned milk paint around your home.
Accent Walls
Try creating a stunning accent wall. Milk paint comes in a variety of colors, so go for a light color behind the open shelves in your kitchen or use a dark gray in your home office. Since milk paint splatters more than traditional paints, be sure to use a drop cloth for easy clean up.
Headboards
Create a DIY headboard and then finish it with milk paint. Just avoid using pallets for a DIY headboard as the wood can harbor bugs, mold and harsh chemicals.
Finish a Dining Table
Give your dining table a fresh look by refinishing the table top and painting it with milk paint. The Creativity Exchange has a lot of tips for DIYers looking to use milk paint on wood furniture. Cyndy, who runs the blog, says milk paint is easy to work with and there are plenty of tricks you can try to get different looks.
Photo: The Creativity Exchange
Boxes and Crates
Try reviving old fruit boxes or crates with milk paint. Then use the crates to help keep your mudroom organized.
Media Consoles
Try stripping a dated-looking television console or bookshelf and giving it a new look with milk paint. You can also try turning an old dresser into a media console—there are several how-to guides available online.
Outdoor Benches
Milk paint can be used on outdoor furniture, such as benches and chairs. You can purchase an additive to help the paint stay vibrant and durable outside. Consider using milk paint to refinish a tired-looking porch swing.
