Ingredients of Milk Paint
- Milk paint is a popular alternative to its conventional competition.paint image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
Concerned about the environmental and health impact of conventional paints, some home makers have turned to milk paint as an alternative. Made from natural materials, milk paint releases fewer volatile organic compounds than conventional paints. It also has hundreds of years of traditional use, dating all the way back to the 16th century. - The core ingredient of milk paint, curdled milk is responsible for both the adhesive quality of the paint as well as its texture. Despite bias that it might smell rotten or otherwise like decaying organic matter, the curdled milk has already been pushed into a stable state. This ensures both the enduring coloration of the paint and the lack of unpleasant aroma. Some manufacturers promote curdling by adding a dose of white vinegar.
- The second essential ingredient in milk paint is lime--not the small green fruit, but rather the caustic mineral. It serves a dual function in the paint. It helps preserve the curdled milk and keep it from rotting. It also promotes opacity so that the paint doesn't appear too thin.
- Dozens of different organic pigments can be used with milk paint. Red clay can give a reddish hue, while coal serves to darken or even blacken the paint. Since the pigment can vary widely depending upon the tastes and styles of the manufacturer, you should check to find out exactly what has been used to color your paint.
