While it makes sense to use a paint brush for milk paint application when you’re working on small jobs, it’s typically time-consuming to use this technique for large surfaces like walls and kitchen cabinets and larger furniture like armoires that needs more paint. This leaves many do-it-yourselfers asking, “Can I spray gun milk paint to speed up the process?”
A spray gun application often proves a game changer when you want to cover lots of space in a short amount of time, but it usually requires a bit of special preparation and a little test spray here and there to hone your desired spray pattern technique.
An HVLP Sprayer is the most common type of spray gun used for milk paint, as it provides good coverage while still allowing for a smooth finish. But the airless paint sprayers are the best type of spray gun to use for milk paint. An airless sprayer provides a smooth, even finish especially with a paint strainer inside it to avoid spray paint buildup. Air spray gun can also be used, but should be set to a low pressure to avoid creating too much dust.
Here are some reasons on why you should use a paint sprayer for milk paint and some tips and techniques that help ensure smooth sailing for your DIY project.
Benefits of Spray Painting With Milk Paints
The most obvious benefit of spray painting milk paint instead of brushing it on is it saves time and effort. It also saves you money on materials since you have to put paint thinner and thin it down to a consistency that flows freely through paint sprayers, making projects more economical.
Other benefits include things common to both brush and spray application of Real Milk Paint, such as natural ingredients with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and low odor, plus a flat finish and easy cleanup.
Advantages relative to spraying milk paint are smooth, even coverage with an airbrushed-like effect that helps prevent the appearance of bulky brush marks after thick paints application. Additionally, quick-drying times mean you can spray on more coats with shorter waiting periods, providing a professional look with excellent leveling.
Watch Anne Of All Trades explore painting windsor chairs using Real Milk Paint and a sprayer!
How to Apply Milk Paint With a Paint Sprayer
To start painting using your srpay gun, get your equipment and Realk Milk Paint ready first. Protective clothing, painters tape, drop cloths, paint cup are some of the tools you may need.
When spraying milk paint instead of brushing it on the surface you’re painting, keep in mind that the paint particles needs to flow freely for effective application so you need to have a spray pattern. Real Milk Paint comes in powder form and mixes with water, making it simple to thin down to the right consistency for a spray gun application.
To know how much paint-to-water ratio you would need, try testing at the recommended ratio of 1 to 1 first and applying it to a test surface to see how it flows instead of mixing it too thin at the outset. Keep in mind that you might have to thin or thicken the paint to get the results you want, and while testing the consistency, you might also want to adjust your air cap tightness, paint sprayers air pressure, spray gun tip size, and settings.
In general, Real Milk Paint flows well in most paint sprayers and works fine with a 1.8 to 2.0-millimeter spray tip. Also you might use a texture paint spray gun for spraying thicker paints.
Once you get Real Milk Paint to the consistency that works for your paint sprayer and surface, strain it to remove any chunks that could potentially clog your sprayer.
Next, add it to your paint sprayer’s sealed container to ensure it doesn’t dry out between coats and slightly wet the surface you’re painting. When you start spraying paint over the surface in light, quick coats to prevent pooling.
Your first coat of paint might look a bit chalky and dull, but subsequent applications after the water evaporates during drying tend to darken the surface to just the shade you require. Once you get the look you want and finished painting, consider adding Real Milk Paint Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax to protect your freshly painted project.
Real Milk Paint For All Your Painting Projects
No matter if you’re spraying Real Milk Paint or using a paintbrush, it offers a simple way to add time-tested color to your favorite furnishings. The forgiving formulation helps you achieve a decorator look by transforming objects into farmhouse-fresh items that blend seamlessly with country-style and rustic decor.
Shop our full collection of milk paints or contact us at 800-339-9748 for more information.
