How to Make Environmentally Safe Milk Paint
Thrifty Paint to Make for Fun, Children's Crafts or Antiquing
Jun 23, 2009
Before modern manufacturing processes, people used whatever natural materials they could find for making paint. Berries and certain plants were used as dyes. Even colored earth could be used as a kind of chalk to add color to things.
Old-Fashioned Furniture Paint
Old-fashioned farmers were so thrifty that they sometimes used milk as the basis for their paint. Any milk that was not consumed could be mixed with some sort of color additive and used as paint. It was once common for household furniture to be painted in this way.
Because milk paint is seldom used today, many people aren't aware of its history, but creating it is still an activity that children can enjoy. Kids can use it to paint on heavy paper or poster board, or to paint wooden toys. In addition, milk paint has a distinctive, old-fashioned look that's great for certain types of crafts as well.
Farmers once had to use regular milk, which was quite thin, for their paint. Colored earth could be used to make the paint a bit thicker and to give it some texture, but there wasn't much variety in color.
In making milk paint today, the thickness can be controlled by using powdered milk. The directions below explain how it's done.
Making Milk Paint
Ingredients:
- Water
- Nonfat dry milk powder
- Choice of coloring such as: blueberry, strawberry, cherry or beet juice, or colored earth for an all natural approach. Or use food coloring or colored paint powder for a more modern touch.
Directions:
- Determine how much paint will be needed.
- Mix together equal parts of water and the nonfat dry milk powder. The liquid should have the consistency of paint. If it appears to be too thick, add a little more milk powder. Make sure to beat out any lumps that may appear.
- Add enough color additive to achieve the desired shade. Mix well.
Using Milk Paint
The paint will be ready for use immediately. If applied to a slick surface such as poster board the paint may be slow to dry, so painted objects should be handled carefully. Any leftover paint can be transferred to a sealed container and refrigerated for 3 or 4 days only. Allow the paint to return to room temperature before using again.
If the paint is to be used on wood surfaces or furniture, treat it much like any other paint. The coloring used as a dye in the paint may permanently stain clothing that comes in contact with it before it has had time to dry thoroughly.
If other types of natural colorings are desired, check the internet for lists of various plants suitable for this use. You may also find ideas on any sites dedicated to natural wool dyes.
Painting with milk is a nearly forgotten craft, but it still has something to offer people of all ages. It's safe for the environment, thrifty, and can be put together with common kitchen ingredients. Best of all, it's fun way to reconnect with the past.
