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Getting Started With General Milk Paint


While not actually derived from milk proteins, this latex paint has hues akin to those of traditional milk paints. It dries to a satin finish and has a more homogeneous, opaque quality.

Although you have probably worked with latex paints, we’d like to review some considerations before you begin painting.


Painting a furniture leg with General milk paint

What should I be aware of before I start painting?


  1. General milk paint requires a porous surface to adhere properly.

  2. Give the paint a thorough stir to disperse any pigment or other solids that may have settled, but don’t introduce bubbles.

Stir the paint thoroughly


  1. Ensure the surface is clean and free of contaminants. On raw wood, sand up to 220x. No primer is needed. On previously finished wood, clean using a 50/50 mixture of denatured alcohol and water, applied with a fine abrasive pad.

  2. Knots can be sealed with shellac to help prevent bleed-through.

In the next section, we’ll show you how to work with General milk paint to obtain the best results and answer some common questions.

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