Create Timeless Furniture Finishes Using Milk Paint
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
If you're passionate about rescuing and restoring furniture, you've probably heard of Amy Howard's famous milk paint finishes.
In this workshop, Amy goes through a detailed step-by-step process on how to achieve an aged, authentic look using her incredible collection of products.
We’ll break down Amy's steps for achieving a gorgeous, vintage-inspired finish using Amy Howard at Home Milk Paint, Antiquing Glaze, and Matte Sealer. Plus, we’ll cover some expert tips on using Furniture Tonic and stencils to elevate your project.
Step 1: Stain the Raw Wood
Start with raw wood for this project. Amy suggests using English Walnut Gel Stain for a rich, deep base. The gel stain is water-based, VOC-free, and super easy to apply.
- Using a sponge brush, apply the gel stain in the direction of the wood grain.
- After applying, wipe off the excess and let the stain dry for about 15 minutes.
The stain creates the base for the milk paint and will show through once you begin distressing.
Step 2: Prepare Your Milk Paint
Amy created her custom color by mixing 7 parts Amalfi Coast Milk Paint with 2 parts Black Milk Paint. The milk paint comes in powder form, so you’ll need to mix it with water.
- Mix one part powder to one part water.
- Stir until smooth and let it sit for a few minutes.
Milk paint offers a unique matte finish that is perfect for creating that antique, aged look.
Step 3: Adding Binder (Optional)
If you want the paint to be more durable and less distressed, you can choose to add Milk Paint Binder.
- If you want the milk paint to stay put and not antique, mix one part binder to one part mixed milk paint.
- If you want to distress the paint, do not add the binder.
Step 4: Apply the Milk Paint
Now, apply two thin coats of your mixed milk paint using a sponge brush or high-density foam roller. Be sure to let the first coat dry for about 30 minutes before applying the second coat.
- Apply the paint in the direction of the wood grain.
- Don’t worry if the wood grain slightly shows through; this will enhance the aged look when distressed later.
Step 5: Antiquing with Glaze
If you’re going for an antique look, this is the step where the magic happens. Using Antiquing Glaze, you’ll be able to distress the milk paint to reveal the rich stain underneath.
- Pour a small amount of Antiquing Glaze into a cup.
- Use a sponge brush to apply it on top of the dried milk paint, focusing on edges and corners where natural wear would occur.
- Lightly remove paint in certain areas using a dry rag, skipping around for an organic, natural look.
The glaze will darken the color slightly and add depth to your finish.
Step 6: Seal the Finish
To lock in the beautiful, aged look, you need to seal the milk paint. Amy used Matte Sealer to keep the finish looking authentic without adding shine.
- Use a high-density foam roller to apply a thin coat of the matte sealer.
- Let it dry completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
This step is essential, as milk paint is porous and needs a sealer to protect it.
Step 7: Optional: Use Furniture Tonic for a Lustrous Finish
For an extra touch of luxury, you can apply Furniture Tonic to deepen the color and add a subtle sheen. This is particularly great if you want a more finished look without the need for wax.
- Brush a thin layer of Furniture Tonic over your milk-painted piece.
- Let it dry, then buff with a dry rag for a soft, satin finish.
Step 8: Add Artwork with Stencils
Finally, if you want to add a unique artistic touch, consider using Maker Studio Stencils with ChalkArt to create intricate designs on top of your milk paint finish.
- Apply the stencil to your piece and use a spreader to press ChalkArt into the design.
- Peel the stencil off to reveal your beautiful artwork.
- Seal it with Matte Sealer to make it permanent.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're flipping furniture for profit or breathing new life into a beloved family heirloom, this step-by-step process will give your projects a professional, elegant finish.
Amy Howard’s milk paint is truly transformative, and with the right products and techniques, you can create furniture pieces that are timeless and full of character.
Ready to start your next project? Explore all the materials used in this tutorial on Amy Howard at Home and discover more ways to rescue, restore, and redecorate!
