We are working on a project renovating an 1850's New England colonial home and while we are putting many modern amenities in the home, we are trying to do it in an environmentally responsible way. Lucky for us, doing things the environmentally responsible way usually means doing the things the way they would have originally done them. We have started looking at Milk Paint as an authentic colonial finish for the kitchen and other elements in the house while getting the bonus of an organic, zero VOC finish. The kitchen above by Timeless Kitchen Design shows off the elegant finish of the milk paint...
While we are pretty new to the idea of milk paint it seems like it is going to be making a huge comeback with its minimal environmental impact combined with the trend of so much painted (and distressed) furniture. The paint is organic, biodegradable, and completely free of VOCs and at about $45 a gallon, very reasonable on the wallet. There are not a huge number of colors (about 20) but they are both historic and vibrant and can be tinted and mixed to find just the right tone. To learn more about how Milk Paint works check the sites of the two main manufacturers we could find...
Old Fashioned Milk Paint
Real Milk Paint
Old Fashioned Milk Paint is now making a new special formula for painting walls that is meant to give a more even finish and adhere to sealed surfaces.
Have you or would you use milk paint?
(Images: Best of Remodeling with the kitchen designed by Timeless Kitchen Design)
MORE MILK PAINT
• Milk Paint in Peter Hinwood's Home
• Old Fashioned Milk Paint
• Good Questions: Using Milk Paint On Stained Wood Floors
Pretty kitchen!
Why do they call it "milk" paint?
view clampers's profile
I've used it. Just make sure you're in love with that color because it's NOT coming off with stripper.
view LBhirise's profile
@clampers, I'm pretty sure they call it milk paint because it's made with milk.
view Tiamat_the_Red's profile
*cheers both milk paint and Tiamat_the_Red's unflappable aplomb.*
view rosenatti's profile
Yep, it was originally made with milk, lime and pigments they found in nature.
It is a beautiful finish, and very historically correct for colonial kitchens.
Milk paint can also be diluted and used on wood floors. It will show the natural grain of the wood, like a stain, but give a beautiful color. Sagey greens and powder blues especially.
http://cottageofstone.blogspot.com
view puck's profile
You can make milk paint yourself... which would definitely expand the color options.
Let's ask Martha:
http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/milk-paint-recipe
view shockthebourgeois's profile
I have used Milk Paint and I did not like it. It was very labor intensive (it comes as a powder and has to be very carefully mixed to achieve the color you want). And it did not apply well for me. I chose to strip what I had been painting and use a pre-mixed zero-VOC paint instead. Although I admire their objective, I would not use Milk Paint again.
view cwiz24's profile
It never comes off. You see it on old hoosier cabinets. You also see it on 'primitive' pieces.
Once you go with milk paint you're one step closer to Nelly Olsen, gingham, and spinning wheel lamps.
Trend prediction: You'll be making folksy pictures with dried beans.
view JoeyBrill's profile
Hi folks,
I'm the maker of these kitchen cabinets. If you would like to see more of our work or are interested in unique kitchen cabinetry visit us at:
http://www.timelesskitchendesign.net/index.html
As for milk paint, well it isn't a trend as it has been used for hundreds of years but it probably isn't for everyone. It is very difficult to remove from wood which is one of the benefits of using it. While it may be popular for traditional renovations, it is gaining in popularity for more contemporary applications due to its environmental benefits.
The Real Milk Paint site:
http://www.realmilkpaint.com/
is a wealth of information if you would like to know more about the qualities and uses of milkpaint.
....and a sincere thanks to Wes and Kayla for posting these images of a kitchen that we are very proud of....especially after seeing how pleased our client is with her new kitchen.
view TimelessKitchenDesign's profile
I like the comment that Timeless Kitchen Designs makes- good for you for posting that comment!!!!!!!!
Your work is beautiful and you are right- milk paint is not a trend at all- as your comapny is named it is timeless.
Now if ya' want to talk "trends" you can find a zillon posted every day here......this is not one of them!!!!
view lyndafitz's profile
Down right beautiful cabinets very appropriate for the East Coast.
view LoriSF's profile
LOVE that kitchen! Beautifully done!
view rtax's profile
I used Safe Paint for Walls from the Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co and it's the most beautiful paint I've ever used. I mixed a pale gray blue that has a glowing quality to it. It captures the light very differently than acrylic paints. Much, much more color depth than paint-in-a-can.
view vinofan's profile