Sunday, March 17, 2013

Milk Paint with a Mind of its Own!

Like many of you, Marion at Miss Mustard Seed has been very influential in inspiring my decorating style and furniture restoration ideas.  So when she announced the Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint label, I was intrigued.  I'd heard of milk paint before, but had never used it.

I recently ran across a vendor who carried the paint and decided to try it.  My first experience was on this cabinet.  The first time you try something there's always a learning curve, so I knew I'd try it again.  Last week I picked up some more colors of paint and decided to try it again on this piece.

I've had this fabulous high boy for several years and was ready to renovate it and sell it.  I decided to use Ironstone Milk Paint on her.

I watched Marion's instructional videos to refresh my memory on how to mix and apply the paint and then went to work.  I decided to strip and refinish the top in a darker stain.  That would be the perfect contrast to the white paint!

After one coat of paint the milk paint was already starting to chip!  I was so excited since my first experience hardly chipped at all!
I applied a second coat, let it dry, and the lightly scraped the loose paint off with a putty knife.


Love it!

Then I moved to the side.
When I finished knocking the loose paint off, there was almost none left!  This was NOT the look I was going for, and certainly didn't match the effect on the front.


Now what?
I went back to the Internet to search for answers.  I found one blogger that said if too much paint chips off, add some bonding agent to the paint and try again.  

That was a problem.
The closest stockist to me is 150 miles away.  I could order some, pay for shipping, and wait 4-5 days for it to arrive.  I could wait until I go to Dallas next week and pick some up then.
I'm not good at waiting!

I decided to experiment with another solution.  If it didn't work, I'd pick up bonding agent next week.

So I pulled out some primer and used a craft brush to apply it to some of the bare wood areas in a splotchy manner.  I figured that if the milk paint would stick to the primer, there would be less chippiness and it would be more compatible with the front.

Then I repainted the entire side with two more coats of milk paint.
Surprisingly, the milk paint not only stuck to the primer, but it stuck to places that it previously chipped from!

Go figure!
I wasn't about to argue with it, though!


I love the contrast of the beautiful, dainty form with the rugged wear of the paint!
I topped it off with a coat of clear wax.


So she's gone to the shop amidst rave reviews.


And she looks good from all angles!


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18 comments:

Warriorcatsluvur said...

Very nice! I love using Milk Paint, but you're right, it's always an adventure, and no too adventures come out a the same place. :) I just did a dresser in Kitchen Scale, but it looks too blah on this particular piece, so I'm going to try layering Ironstone or Linen on it - who knows what'll happen then!

Anonymous said...

By the way, I am NOT a Warrior cats lover. That's my daughter's account. #commentfail :)

NanaDiana said...

Cyndi, What a beautiful piece. Years ago we used to use milk paint on raw (untreated in any manner) wood. It actually seeped into the wood and so was never even strippable after that. I still see pieces of here and there. Hope your piece sells quickly for you- xo Diana

Twice Nice said...

I remember using it as a child at my Grandparents farm on fencing and outbuildings. I've used MMS milk paint 3 times, and it has been different each time. Amazing stuff, but you just never know. Good call on the primer solution. I shall have to remember that. Your piece is knock-out gorgeous! Bet it won't last a week before someone snags it up!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Great save! I've only used that paint with the bonding agent. I guess I just need more predictability!

Unknown said...

I'm jealous because I want this piece! LOL Simply Gorgeous job! Thanks so much for linking up to ITS PARTY TIME. Hugs, Clydia

Sara Whalen said...

Lovely! I have yet to try the milk paint because I love the chippy finish. Can't wait!

Donna Wilkes said...

I have not used milk paint in thirty years and I am sure the new is different, but I love the chippiness it gives a piece of furniture. Your piece is outstanding.

foreverdecorating said...

A beautiful piece of furniture. Love this look.

Uniquely Undone said...

I love this dresser, and more so, the paint!! I've never used milk paint, but may have to give it a try!! Hopping over from House of Hepworths, and glad I found you (new follower)!! I'll be back!

Anonymous said...

White paint + scrolled wood details= gorgeous every time! So pretty!

Cynthia said...

Love the chippiness! What a great idea to use the primer... I'm glad it worked for you.

Connie@shabbyforsure said...

Your piece turned out great. Thanks for sharing...Connie

Eclectic Red Barn said...

I love this piece. Never too chippy right! Never would have thought of using primer. Whatever works, right!
Have a great week,
Bev
@http://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com

Heidi said...

I had this exact same experience using this same color!! But it was my very first time using milk paint and I was so overwhelmed that I sanded it all and painted it with chalk paint instead :( I'm definitely going to give it another try though, I just need to find a piece that hasn't already been horribly painted, you know?!?!? Thanks for the tips and the encouragement! :)

Kim~madeinaday said...

What a great piece! Thanks for linking up on Made in a Day!
Kim

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

It turned out beautiful... even if it took a little more time than expected!

Vintage Restyled said...

I have made several attempts to transform with MMS Milk Paint. No luck. Thanks for re-inspiring me to try again!