Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply want paint cover for an existing finish, Real Milk Paint gets the job done quickly and reliably. Designed to mix with water at a 1:1 ratio, Real Milk Paint comes powdered so you can mix up as much or as little as you need for the task at hand. Once mixed, our formulation lasts up to two weeks, so you have ample time to paint your piece of furniture, kitchen cabinets or handmade raw wood crafts. Let’s look at what makes Real Milk Paint a great choice for your project, then explore just how much you need for your DIY design.
Advantages of Using Real Milk Paint
Create the ideal consistency for your painting task by adding more or less water to Real Milk Paint powder during the mixing process. If you need a thin wash to achieve trendy distressing techniques, just add a little more water to the formulation, but if you want heavier coverage, mix it with a little less. Our Real Milk Paint colors boast deep, high-quality pigments, so their hues hold true no matter the mixture you use on your kitchen cabinets or piece of furniture. Additionally, we offer 56 shades of milk paint products, ranging from monochromatic hues like white, gray and black to primary, pastel and neutral colors.
Another advantage to using Real Milk Paint for your DIY refinishing projects is its environmentally friendly formulation. Our milk paint contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so you don’t need extra ventilation when using it for projects. A nontoxic formulation made from all-natural, organic materials such as casein also means Real Milk Paint offers a safe option for homes with kids and pets. Quick dry time and fuss-free adhesion to most surfaces without sanding and priming round out the advantages of using our milk paint products on everything from raw wood to upcycled garage sale finds.
How Much Does a Can of Paint Cover: Learn How Much Milk Paint You Need for Your Project
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How much does a can of Real Milk Paint cover?” To answer this, it’s essential to understand that coverage can vary based on several factors, including the surface material, color, and the desired finish. However, on average, one quart of Real Milk Paint covers approximately 70-100 square feet with a single coat. For most projects, achieving the best results typically requires at least two coats, especially when working with lighter colors like Antique White or Snow White, which might need additional layers for full opacity over darker surfaces.
Coverage Breakdown by Project Size
To give you a better idea, here’s a general guide on how much milk paint you might need depending on the size of your project:
Small Projects (Pint Coverage, ~50 square feet):
- 2 to 3 small tables
- 2 to 3 accent chairs
- 1 small vanity or desk
- 1 small bookcase or coffee table
- 1 headboard
Medium Projects (Quart Coverage, ~100 square feet):
- 1 dining table with extension leaves
- 1 king-size headboard and footboard
- 1 china cabinet or tall hutch cabinet
- 1 chest, dresser, or armoire
- 1 double-sink bathroom vanity
Large Projects (Gallon Coverage, ~400 square feet):
- Standard-size kitchen cabinets
- Two to three small bathroom cabinets
- 1 large entertainment center or shelving unit
Factors Influencing Paint Coverage
While these guidelines provide a solid starting point, several factors can affect how much milk paint you’ll need:
- Surface Porosity: Raw wood, for example, tends to absorb more paint, often requiring additional coats. If you’re working with highly absorbent surfaces, consider having extra paint on hand.
- Color Choice: Light colors, particularly whites, often need more coats to achieve full coverage, especially over dark surfaces.
- Mixing Consistency: Adjusting the water-to-paint ratio can also impact coverage. A thicker mixture will cover more opaquely but over a smaller area, while a thinner mixture will spread further but may require additional coats.
Making Sure You Have Enough Paint
Using our Paint Coverage Calculator, you can input the dimensions of your project and get a precise estimate of how much paint you’ll need. This tool takes into account the number of coats you plan to apply and the type of surface you’re painting, helping ensure you purchase the right amount of paint to complete your project.
The Ins and Outs of Milk Paint Coverage
While the 1-quart-to-100-square-feet formula for milk paint coverage works well for figuring out just how much milk paint cover you need for projects, you should consider a few other factors. For example, very light colors like antique white or snow white paint may require more than a second coat, especially if you’re painting over darker hues. Likewise, raw wood tends to absorb your first coat of paint deeply, so you may need some extra Real Milk Paint to mix up when you’re finishing handmade chairs and furnishings.
Additionally, consider where you’re using the finished project before you slap on a coat of milk paint. If you plan on using items on your porch, patio or deck, mix up your Real Milk Paint with our Outdoor Additive to give it staying power when exposed to the elements. Also, tricky surfaces like melamine and laminate typically require priming and sanding before painting with chalk paint or acrylic paint, but our milk paint sticks well — no priming required! — when mixed with Ultra Bond Adhesion Promoter bonding agent.
Finishing Milk Paint DIY Projects
Real Milk Paint adheres well to numerous surfaces, from concrete and metal, wood and glass to plastic, plaster and laminate, making it a flexible option for DIY projects. It does, however, require you to apply a sealer after you add your paint cover to ensure durability over time. Rather than using harsh products such as polyurethane clear coat for your topcoat, though, consider low-to-no-VOC options offered by The Real Milk Paint Co. Our wax products work particularly well for finishing surfaces coated with milk paint, and they come in a range of sheens and tints to aid you in completing your DIY project to your complete satisfaction.
To achieve a trendy farmhouse look, try distressing your paint cover with our Chippy Paste and finishing the look with one of our finishing creams, which come in dead flat matte, low sheen and gloss to help you achieve your creative vision. Alternatively, consider using Natural Crackle Paint Finish, then employing one of our finishing oils such as hemp oil for a sealer. To get a distressed look with just a topcoat product, select one of our finishing glazes that impart rich espresso, mahogany or mocha tint with just a little rubbing. These Real Milk Paint products go on easily with a clean, lint-free rag, foam brush or paintbrush, ensuring readily available application options.
Real Milk Paint delivers reliable paint coverage and offers exceptional durability. One of the oldest paints known to man, milk paint products help you get the job done in a fast, easy and eco-friendly way. Now that you know just how much Real Milk Paint you need for your DIY needs, start making plans and getting crafty.
