Old Fashioned Milk Paint

Milk Paint is an ancient organic paint made using basic, natural ingredients; milk protein (casein), lime, clay, and earth pigments such as ochre, umber, iron oxide, lampblack, etc. It makes the most colour-durable finish available, and is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, low odour and food safe, containing no chemicals, preservatives, fungicides, hydrocarbons or any other petroleum derivatives. Home-made Milk Paint has been around for centuries and is probably the earliest form of paint available. It was heavily used by settlers in North America, and has come to epitomise the character and style of Early American and Colonial architecture and interiors.

Old Fashioned Milk Paint was the first commercially produced milk paint using the traditional milk paint recipes, over 45 years ago. It arrives in powder form to be mixed with water, so it can be made in small or large batches. The milk component means that it cannot be preserved more than about 24 hours once mixed with water, which is why it comes as a powder (so beware of those liquid products claiming to be milk paint – if it’s not a powder, it’s not milk paint!) But in powder form stored in an airtight container, it lasts indefinitely, meaning you can use it as required for each project.

A firm favourite amongst makers of wooden treen and spoons. What's your favourite colour combination?