Chalk Paint Vs. Milk Paint Throw Down!

All Natural Chalk Paint & Milk Paint

It's a common question: What is the difference between Chalk Paint and Milk Paint? Or: Which is better?

It's a bit like asking what's better a delicious mango or a juicy, sweet pineapple?  They are much the same, yet,  distinctly different.

The two properties Milk Paint & Chalk Paint share is firstly they are both all-natural and environmentally-friendly. And secondly, both paints should be finished with wax, hemp oil or other sealer. 

 With Chalk Paint, it's basically paint-and-go.  If you've ever painted, it won't be unfamiliar as it comes in liquid form in a paint tin. Just pop the lid...and get painting!

Chalk Paint will adhere to nearly any surface without sanding, priming or other preparation. This includes plastic, metal, glass, fabric and of course  painted and/or treated timber. Yup, you can paint STRAIGHT OVER most surfaces although some prefer to give a quick, light sand especially to pieces with high-shine, dark wood. The finish will cover, stick and not chip.

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Autentico Vintage Chalk Paint in Milk

Photo Courtesy of The Paint Box

Chalk Paint is a bit thicker than traditional paints and  can be distressed but it will not give you the authentic "chippy" look...and this takes us to Milk Paint...

Mixing Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Goin' "chippy" with Milk Paint in Linen

Perhaps what I like best about Milk Paint is the flexibility and the seemingly endless options. 

It comes in powdered form and is mixed with water, so you control the texture and intensity. Milk Paint has amazing adhesion to raw wood that will never chip, peel or fade. I often use it as a stain or wash on raw timber for a gorgeous effect that allows the wood grain to show through beautifully. 

Table top is stained in the colour Trophy & base is painted in custom mix of Tricycle & Typewriter

Watchin' the chippy magic happen

Milk Paints, especially Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint, is perhaps best know for creating an authentic antique finish known as the "chippy" look.

Simply paint directly onto surface then sit back and let the magic happen. You can help it along with a bit of sandpaper. Once it's reached the desired level of "chippiness," apply wax or oil to seal and protect. 

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Bonding Agent

If you're not after a stain, wash or the chippy look, Milk Paint will behave LIKE a Chalk Paint by adding Bonding Agent. 

This stops any chipping process and instead bonds the paint with the substrate whatever the surface is including plastic, metal, glass, treated/painted timber similar to the adhesion and coverage properties of Chalk Paint. 

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As you can see, both Milk Paint and Chalk Paint have useful and beautiful attributes that result in gorgeous results. 

Although they can be used similarly, there are subtleties to their characteristics that allow for vastly different, albeit stunning and unique, finishes.


I'd love to hear from you. So please if you have any questions or comments, leave them below.

it's all here...for the love...
Sada