General Finishes Milk Paints are premium acrylic, water-based paints named for their low-luster sheen which mimics the look of old-world furniture paint. Not a true "casein based milk paint" but a modern version of old world paint with a strong mineral base. It is adaptable and UV resistant and may be applied by brushing or spraying and possesses excellent flow and leveling properties. Milk paints are formulated with zero-VOC colorants and pre-mixed for your convenience. They can be used on interior or exterior projects without a topcoat.
You can mix it, lighten it, distress it, glaze it, layer different colors or antique it - perfect for upcycling or repurposing furniture.
Warning: Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.
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Specs
Base Type: Water Sheen: Flat low luster (10-15) Interior or Exterior: Interior/Exterior Type: Acrylic Paint Coats: 1+ coats Application Method: Brush, Roll, Spray, Pad Usable over existing finishes: Yes Spray Tip Sizes: HVLP 1.8mm-2.0mm Topcoat Required: Self-Sealing Dry Time - Touch: 30+ min. Dry Time - Recoat: 2+ hr Dry Time - Light Use: 7-10 days Dry Time - Cure: 21 days Coverage: 50-65 sq.ft./pint, 100-125 sq.ft./quart, 400-500 sq.ft./gallon Viscosity: Thick Viscosity (cPs): 2000-3000 Durability (Highest, High, Medium, Low): High
Preparation
Raw wood
Sanding schedule: 120-grit sandpaper followed by 150-grit. Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpapers; this will close and seal the wood grain, preventing ideal color absorption. Do not use steel wool with water-based finishes; the particles will get trapped in the finish and rust.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.
Sealed surface
Scuff clean with a Scotch Brite pad or maroon synthetic steel wool and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Dry 1-2 hours. Avoid cleaning with products containing phosphates (salt), which can linger in the substrate and produce a white haze. If your project requires a deeper cleaning, see Power Prep Cleaning Highly Used Existing Finishes below.
Sand lightly with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding sponge or 400-grit sandpaper.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Let dry completely before applying General Finishes product.
Directions
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Stir paint to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. Do not use flowing agents such as Floetrol. This paint already contains a flow agent and outside products may not be compatible.
Increase open time, if needed, with up to 10-15% General Finishes Extender if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender will improve flow and leveling and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. California Residents: Adding more than 2% of GF Extender will make the products non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations.
Apply as many coats as needed for desired coverage. 2-3 coats are standard but additional coats may be required when using colors with less "hide properties," such as bright reds, greens, yellows and whites.
Hand application: Using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or microfiber roller such as Whizz or AllPro brand, apply using smooth, even strokes. Spray application: See video tutorial on spraying Milk Paint. Before spraying, strain paint through a medium-mesh filter. Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.8mm-2.0mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with your equipment supplier. Keep your gun at a 90° angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large, flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6-8" wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" wide to reduce overspray. Overlap each pass 25% to conceal lines. Wear full filter NIOSH/MSHA-approved respiratory & eye protection. Face frames on cabinets: Milk Paint can be applied successfully to cabinet face frames, edges or drawer fronts with a brush, pad or small cabinet-specific roller such as Whizz or AllPro brand.
Dry 2+ hours between coats and before General Finishes water-based topcoat in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C; 50-70% humidity. Be sure to allow adequate dry time. You can tell if a water-based finish is dry if it forms a powder when lightly sanded with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad. If in doubt, wait longer. Rushing dry time can cause clouding/blush in topcoat due to moisture trapped between coats.
Increase dry time if humidity is over 80%, 3+ coats are applied, thick coats are applied, applying over an existing sealed finish, applying over products from other brands, or layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products.
Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hrs before applying water-based products
Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hrs before applying oil-based products
To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness.
Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding sponge or 400-grit sandpaper to improve smoothness and adhesion. Do not use conventional steel wool.
Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
As a professional painter for more than 20 years, now retired and remodeling my own home, this is the best paint I have ever used. Customer service at Oak Tree Supply is also the best!
