[GBlist] Milk Paint

[Corwyn <corwyn@midcoast.com>]

I have never used milk paint, but I have gathered information on it, and 
removed some from my former old house.  Based on that I plan to use  it 
on exclusively in my new house.  I can't yet recommend a particular 
recipe.

Advantages:
  • You can make it yourself.
  • It is cheap (homemade, the commercial version are more), far cheaper 
than regular paint.
  • Simple basic ingrediants (Water, Lime, Skim Milk Powder).
  • Very durable.  The stuff I removed was 120 years old, and still good.
  • No VOCs.
  • non-toxic when dry.
  • Cleans up with water.
  • Extra can be put on the garden.
  • No wondering what to do with empty paint cans
  • Fabric (RIT) dye is one possible pigment (also universal tints, other 
water soluable pigments)  Should use lime-resistant pigment.
  • Can be covered with clear finish (eg. Shellac) to improve 
waterproofing.
  • Has natural variations giving a more homemade appearance.
  • Good feeling from doing the green thing.
  • Easy to make a glaze (wash) by adding water.
  • Cheap natural bristle paint brushes can be used.
  • Dries fast (under 4 hours).

Disadvantages:
  • Should be used the same day it is made.
  • Water spots it.
  • Difficult to remove.
  • Won't take regular paint over it.  You can cover it with more milk 
paint.
  • Can be thick.
  • Mixing a perfect match color could be difficult.
  • Dark colors are difficult to produce.
  • Color is not completely consistent, not the dead even quality of 
regular paint.
  • You can't leave a section half done, and finish it later.
  • Possible spoilage (I find it hard to believe that this could happen 
if paint is made and then immediately used).
  • Dries up (that is gets lighter when it dries) unlike other paint.  Be 
sure to compare colors when they are dry.
  • Needs either a porous surface or an extra bonding agent.
  • Due to the lime, gloves and goggles should be used when applying.


Thank You Kindly,

Corwyn

--
Corwyn
Kermit didn't know the half of it...
Corwyn@midcoast.com


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