Milk Paint: Historic milk colors

Reviewed by:
Rosemary Thornton

Historically, milk paints were formulated with buttermilk and berries, dried plants, roots or herbs to create natural colors. Simulated milk paints from Olde Century Colors are pre-mixed in 20 historic colors, obtained from architectural examples of the 1700s and 1800s.

The manufacturer recommends that a top coat of varnish be applied over the milk paint's soft, matte finish if the surface will be subjected to repeated handling. It can also be diluted with water and applied as a stain on unpainted wood. Used undiluted, coverage is about 400 square feet (per gallon) and cost is $43. September 2004.