Transform Your Coffee Table With Milk Paint

Painting a coffee table with milk paint is an easy DIY project that can help you achieve a vintage or farmhouse look. Milk paint is an environmentally-friendly paint made from natural ingredients like clay, milk protein, and lime. It is water-based, non-toxic, and odorless when dry. To paint a coffee table with milk paint, you can start by cleaning the table and sanding the wood surfaces. Then, apply one or more coats of milk paint, letting it dry between coats. Once dry, you can use a paint scraper to scratch off paint in areas where natural wear would occur, and then lightly sand the entire table. Finally, seal the paint with a coat of clear wax, which can be applied with a brush or soft cloth.

Preparing the paint

Milk paint is an environmentally-friendly paint made from natural ingredients like clay, milk protein, and lime. It is water-based, non-toxic, and anti-bacterial. Milk paint is commonly sold in powder form and can be mixed with water to form a paint consistency. The best way to mix milk paint is to measure the milk paint powder first and then add water. It is recommended to mix equal parts of powder and water, starting with 1/2 cup at a time, as milk paint cannot be stored for long periods.

Foam brushes are great for applying milk paint, especially if you want a smooth finish without any brush lines. You can also use a regular paintbrush, but this may leave brush lines in the paint. When painting a coffee table, it is recommended to apply one coat of paint, let it dry for approximately 30 minutes, and then apply another coat. You can decide to apply more coats depending on the look you want to achieve.

After the final coat of paint, let the table dry completely for a few hours. Once dry, you can use a paint scraper to scratch off paint in common areas, creating a distressed look. You can scrape off as much paint as desired and then lightly sand the entire piece of furniture to smoothen it out.

Painting the table

Painting a coffee table with milk paint can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Milk paint is an environmentally-friendly paint made from natural ingredients like clay, milk protein, and lime. It is water-based, non-toxic, and odourless when dry. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting your coffee table with milk paint:

• Prepare your work area by laying out a drop cloth or newspapers to protect the surrounding surfaces. Ensure your coffee table is clean and dry, and remove any hardware such as handles or knobs.
• If your table has an existing finish, lightly sand the surface to scuff it up and create a rough texture that will help the new paint adhere better. Use a tack cloth or a damp cloth to remove any dust.
• Mix your milk paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Milk paint typically comes in powder form, so you will need to mix it with water. Mix small batches at a time, as milk paint cannot be stored for long periods.
• Using a foam brush or a regular paintbrush, apply the first coat of milk paint to your table. Foam brushes are great for achieving a smooth finish without brush lines. Let the first coat dry for approximately 30 minutes.
• Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of paint. You may need to apply additional coats depending on the desired coverage and the colour you have chosen. Allow the final coat of paint to dry completely for several hours.
• If you want to create a distressed or vintage look, use a paint scraper or a putty knife to gently scratch off paint in areas that would typically see wear over time, such as corners and edges. You can then lightly sand the entire piece to smooth out any scratches and create a uniform finish.
• Seal the paint with a light coat of clear wax, such as Old Barn Milk Paint Clear Wax. You can apply the wax with a large, soft brush or a soft cloth. This step will protect your paint job and give it a nice finish.
• Allow the wax to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before flipping your table over and repeating the painting process on the underside if desired.

Your coffee table is now ready to be styled and enjoyed! Milk paint is a wonderful way to transform a piece of furniture and give it a fresh new look.

Drying and scraping

Drying:

Allowing adequate drying time between coats of paint is essential. After applying the first coat of milk paint with a brush, let it dry for approximately 30 minutes. This initial drying period allows the paint to set and provides a suitable surface for the subsequent coat.

Once you've applied the second coat of paint, the drying time increases. Leave the table untouched for a few hours to ensure the paint is completely dry. This extended drying time ensures that the paint is thoroughly hardened, reducing the risk of accidental smudges or marks.

Scraping:

After the paint has dried, it's time to distress the piece of furniture. Using a paint scraper, gently scratch off the paint in areas where natural wear and tear would occur over time. This technique adds character and a sense of age to your coffee table. You can scrape off as much paint as you desire, creating a more or less distressed appearance.

It's important to note that milk paint, such as MMS Milk Paint, is known for chipping or flaking off to expose the original finish. This natural distressing effect may occur during the scraping process, so be mindful of the pressure you apply while scraping.

Following the scraping, lightly sand the entire coffee table to smooth out any rough areas and create a uniform finish. This step ensures that any remaining paint chips or flakes are removed, resulting in a pleasant texture.

By following these drying and scraping instructions, you can achieve a beautifully distressed and aged appearance for your coffee table, adding a unique touch to your décor.

Sanding and sealing

Once you have achieved your desired colour with milk paint, it is important to seal the paint to protect the finish and ensure the longevity of your coffee table.

Sanding

Lightly sand the entire piece of furniture with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth finish and help to remove any imperfections. Be sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth after sanding.

Sealing

You can seal milk paint with a variety of products, including wax or a matte poly-like protector such as MMS Tough Coat. If you want to avoid a sheen, you may need to buff the wax. Apply one light coat of your chosen sealant with a large round brush or a soft cloth.

Sealing your coffee table will not only protect the paint but also add a professional finish to your DIY project.

Finishing touches

Once you have applied your coats of milk paint, you can finish the piece with a light coat of wax. This will seal the paint and protect the finish. Old Barn Milk Paint Clear Wax is a product that can be applied with a large round brush or a soft cloth.

If you want to distress the piece, you can use a paint scraper to scratch off paint in areas that would naturally wear over time. You can scrape off as much paint as you like, and then lightly sand the entire piece of furniture.

If you want to add darker streaks, you can dry brush some chalk paint onto the piece and then run a piece of fine-grit sandpaper over the entire surface to create a smooth finish. You can then top this off with a matte poly-like protector such as MMS Tough Coat.

If you are using MMS Milk Paint, be aware that it generally chips or flakes off to expose the original finish. You can distress the piece with a putty knife and then apply a coat of wax.

Frequently asked questions