Approved by Subject Editors on August 12, 2004
Reviewed by marycordaro
From an environmental standpoint, from 'cradle to grave', Old Fashioned Milk Paint is one of the most benign finishing products, not only for the planet, but also for the applicator and the end user. It is also made in the U.S., unlike most natural finish products on the market. Many chemically sensitive people can apply milk paint themselves, because it is relatively easy to apply, and even in its wet, uncured state, it has almost no odor. It is virtually odor free when fully dried and cured. All the ingredients in milk paint are natural, and from renewable sources. The milk paint and pigments (excluding the Clear Coat sealer and Extra Bond additive) contain no synthetic ingredients. It is sold as a dry powder, and the applicator simply adds water. As a dry powder, there is no need for synthetic biocides. The paint product is preserved with borax.
From application, aesthetic and maintenance standpoints, this product has some limitations. First, it is not appropriate for high moisture rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Secondly, unless it is sealed with the accompanying acrylic sealer, it will not provide a cleanable surface, and will spot if it gets wet. Thirdly, the overall appearance and feel is somewhat 'chalky'. The look on a wall is not a standardized, perfect look, and is better suited for those who like a wall to look somewhat varied. However, when used in appropriate rooms, it holds up well over time, including the color. The manufacturer recommends using their synthetic additive called "Extra Bond" for painting over existing flat wall paint, because in some cases, milk paint may not stick to previously painted wall surfaces. However, because Extra Bond, a synthetic additive, is not biocide free, adding this to the mixture takes the paint from a 100% natural, non-toxic to a low toxic status, particularly for extremely sensitive people. Many people have had success painting milk paint over existing water-based, synthetic paints, but it is best to do an adhesion test first. For those who desire a completely natural surface with no electro-static charge (to which less dust will stick) one can avoid the recommended sealer. I have worked with mothers of small children who prefer to mix a little extra paint on the spot, and apply it right over soiled or damaged areas, rather than use the manufactures recommended sealer. This works best when the wall has a ragged, sponged, or other varied look.
For new, unpainted drywall, the manufacturer recommends using a water-based latex paint primer. To retain the wonderful breathability and chemical free attributes of milk paint, pick a primer that has good vapor transmission (does not block moisture vapor). is No VOC, and preferably biocide free.
Milk paint is most durable and long lasting when applied to raw wood and earthen walls, as it was used as long ago as 6000 years. It is almost impossible to remove it from raw wood. However, as a wall paint used on conventional drywall, for the right person with the correct application, this product can be the perfect product, and will look good for at least several years.
