Milk paint is a traditional finish that came to Canada with the first settlers. You can rest assured that this beautiful, long-lasting product is easy to apply and completely safe.
Milk paint is made from casein (milk protein), clay, limestone and various natural pigments—either vegetable or mineral. There’s only one Canadian manufacturer of milk paint, Homestead House Paint Co., and they still use age-old recipes.
The paint arrives as a powder that you mix with water prior to use. It’s important to mix only as much paint as you will need that day since it doesn’t store well.
To prepare the paint, mix the powder according to the instructions on the package. It is best to use an electric blender to prepare the mixture, as this ensures all of the powder has been completely integrated in the mix. 
1. Brush the paint onto the wood. I use one relatively heavy coat, followed by a lighter, second coat. Milk paint dries quickly, usually in no more than 15 minutes, so by the time you have finished painting all pieces of the same colour, you will be ready to start burnishing them. When the paint is first applied, it forms a bright but somewhat rough surface, which is why burnishing is essential. 
2. Use a piece of #000 steel wool and rub the surface in the direction of the grain. You’ll notice the colour deepens and quickly resembles the colour chart samples. 
3. After burnishing, the surface is still susceptible to damage from moisture. That’s why you have to seal it in one of several ways. I used hemp oil from Homestead House; tung oil or even satin urethane would work well, too. Apply the oil in two coats, wiping off the excess according to the directions.
4. To give an extra measure of protection against water damage, I apply a coat of Antiquax to the milk-painted panels after the oil dries fully.
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