Use and Care Manual

3. Glazing is the process of applying a translucent color to the surface, and then rubbing off the excess glaze
to create many effects.
In the following examples, several layers of Milk Paints, Glazes and Top Coats are combined in the tradition of old
world craftsmen to create unique decorative finishes in any color palette. The process goes fast as water based
finishes dry much more quickly than oil based finishes.
1. Two coats of Autumn
Haze Milk Paint sanded
through
2. Water based topcoat
to prevent color
blending
3. Yellow Ochre Glaze
4. Final top coats
1. Two coats Sage
Green
2. Water based
topcoat to prevent
color blending
3. Winter White
Glaze
4. Final top coats
1. Two coats of Millstone
Milk Paint sanded
through
2. Water based topcoat
to prevent color blending
3. Van Dyke Brown
Glaze
4. Final top coats
1. Two coats of Brick
Red Milk Paint
2. Water based topcoat
to prevent color blending
3. One or two coats of
Basil Milk Paint sanded
through
4. Yellow Ochre Brown
Glaze
5. Final top coats
1. Two coats of Brick
Red Milk Paint
2. Water based
topcoat to prevent
color blending
3. Espresso Wood
Stain
4. Final top coats
Application of Milk Paints
 Do I Need a Primer? Although Milk Paints can be applied directly onto bare wood, the use of an additional
coat of Milk Paint as a "primer" is recommended for heavy grained wood such as Oak, Pine or Parawood,
especially with light colors. Most dark Milk Paint colors do not need a primer. If you want a smoother finish,
just add a third coat.
 Remove hardware from furniture. Taking a little extra time to remove backs of cabinets, drawer fronts etc.,
will make staining much easier. Milk Paints may be intermixed to create additional colors. Snow White or
Antique White will soften darker colors.
 If working in high temperatures or low humidity, Milk Paints may be thinned with 10-20% water or General
Finishes Extender (3 to 6 oz. per quart) to improve open time for application.
 If working over existing paint or finish, always test a small area to make sure paint will adhere. Sand glossy
surfaces with #120 grit sandpaper before proceeding.
 Make disposable paint trays by covering paper plates with aluminum foil.
 Test the color on the underside of the project. It is your responsibility to insure that the color is what you
want.
 Always stir the contents well. Stirring distributes pigments that have settled to the bottom of the can.
 Paint on a wet, liberal coat with a wide foam brush, bristle brush, or paint pad applicator. If too little paint is
used, the surface can dry too quickly causing an uneven appearance.
 Let dry 2 to 4 hours before applying another coat.
 We recommend two to three coats of paint. If paint is not covering after 2 coats, you are not applying heavily
enough. If using different colors of Milk Paint over one another (i.e.-when creating antique finishes) always
apply a coat of Top Coat in between the colors to prevent color blending.