Once you’ve found a milk paint color you love and paint your project, don’t forget the finishing step — applying a topcoat of wax. Is wax absolutely necessary to completing your milk paint project? Not really, but when you use wax with milk paint does add a nice durable finish and tough coat to your piece while adding luster and sheen.
The Real Milk Paint Co. carries a number of eco-friendly and easy-to-use waxes including:
- Clear Carnauba wax
- Zero VOC wax
- Myland’s wax
- Soapstone sealer and wood wax
- Brown wax
- Wood wax
How to Use Wax With Milk Paint
Once your milk paint finishes drying (we recommend waiting at least 24 hours), you can apply wax. You’ll need a clean, lint-free rag or wax brush. Simply apply an even, thin layer of wax over the entire surface of your project. Take care by applying a touch up with the wax into ridges, chipping and other minor crevices. Once you’ve finished waxing the surface, allow it to dry for at least 5 minutes. Take another clean, soft rag and start buffing the wax. Clean your brush and rags with warm soapy water.
Make Your Own Customized Color Wax
Thinking about custom colors? You can turn your wax into a clear, white wax or dark wax. Not only does wax provide a protective sheen over your project, you can also tint wax to add some creative flair. Using a clear wax for your DIY project such as carnauba wax paste, select a dry, powdered pigment from the Real Milk Paint® color chart.
You’ll need a clean container (a jar or mixing bowl will do), paint thinner (such as Citrus Solvent) and a spoon/stir stick.
Scoop out some wax into the clean container and add one tablespoon of pigment to the wax. Mix and stir well. If you find the wax is too thick, add a tablespoon of thinner. This requires a bit of time; adding thinner and/or pigment until the desired consistency and color is achieved.
Use your colored wax to create an “aged” patina, or use a brightly colored wax as a statement piece.
Selecting the Right Type of Wax
What type of wax is right for you? Read on to find out.
Working on restoring furniture?
Try Myland’s Wax, a formula consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, and shellac that’s ideal for restoring furniture. This furniture wax comes in a variety of tints including brown antiquing wax, clear, mahogany, and pine which adds a subtle luster.
If you’re looking for a furniture sealant:
Try Clear Carnauba wax. This sealant creates a high sheen look and can be applied to any painted furniture, including outdoor patio furniture.
Or, try Zero VOC Wax. It creates a lasting finish that won’t be removed with cleaning products.
Working on a project with a variety of materials and finishes?
Try Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax, a versatile product that can be used as a wood finish or over concrete, soapstone and slate.
Working on a rustic wood project?
Try Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax. This wax and oil combination soaks in well to raw wood. It dries, seals and protects. The best part is that it is food contact safe
If you’d like more information about how to make your milk paint makeover stand out from the crowd contact us today.
