Eco Orchard Paint Product Info

Our Old Fashioned MILK PAINT is a re-creation of the ancient MILK PAINT formula used for centuries before the sale of commercially made paints. It is an authentic finish for use in the restoration of antiques or in the reproduction of antique furniture. It comes in rich colors that are durable and do not fade. Also, since our real MILK PAINT is made from elements that pre-date the use of petrochemicals and other toxic bases and solvents, it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and odor-free when dry. Our MILK PAINT is preferred by custom furniture builders, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, do-it-yourselfers, and those who are sensitive to the need to protect the environment.

Applications

Use on tree trunks of young trees to avoid sun scald.

Physical Characteristics

• State: Dry Powder
• Mixing Medium: Water
• Mixing Temperature: Mixes best with warm water
• VOC’s: None – entirely solvent free
• Thinner: Water
• Non-Flammable
• Non-Combustible
• Environmental Safety: Biodegradable and non-toxic
• Drying Time: Dry to the touch, 30 mins. To re-coat, wait two hours. Cures and hardens over time
• Odor: Faint milky odor when wet, odorless when dry
• Colors: Old Fashioned Milk Paint & Farmhouse Finishes Safe Paint come in 20 historical colors + 12 new colors added in 2021. Also available as a translucent base to which pigment can be added for an infinite variety of hues, tones and shades. Our Sweet Pickins Milk Paint is considered our boutique line and features an additional 22 colors.

Available Sizes

• One Pint – 8 oz. powder, plus water
  • Covers approximately 35 square feet
• One Quart – 16 oz. powder, plus water
  • Covers approximately 75 square feet
• One Gallon – 64 oz. powder, plus water
  • Covers approximately 300 square feet

Bulk sizes are available for volume use and for re-packagers.

Milk Paint Directions

• Very Important: Please read this entire Direction Sheet before using this product.
• Porous Surfaces: Milk paint, like all water paints, adheres best to a porous surface, such as bare wood or masonry.
• Nonporous Surfaces: Our Extra-Bond additive will help the milk paint adhere to MOST clean, sound nonporous surfaces.

Simple to Use

• Mix: Measure about equal amounts of water and powder into separate containers. The one pint package contains about 1-1/2 cups of powder, and when mixed with 1-1/2 cups of water it will make about 1 pint of paint. (Note: warm water helps.)
• Apply: Apply with a dry brush, roller or spray gun. Natural bristle brushes are fine, but foam brushes may require less effort and leave fewer brush marks. Milk paint is naturally somewhat streaky in color. This is normal. The most even color is achieved by spraying. Next best for evenness is by roller application. Again, you may find that foam rollers are easier to control. For spraying, paint should be a little thinner than for brushing, and should be strained. Spray with conventional spray equipment at about 30 lbs. pressure. Adjust pressure and nozzle to get a good paint film, not dry and not runny. With a little practice you should be able to spray a Windsor chair in about 3 or 4 minutes. Remember always wear proper protection when spraying any paint.
• Clean Up: Clean all tools now with water and a Scotch-brite pad so that the paint doesn’t dry on them.

Mixing Tips

• Small Amounts: When mixing small containers of the paint by hand it is easiest to make a paste of the powder with some of the water and stir until smooth, like making gravy, using a rubber spatula or paint stick. Then gradually add more water until you reach the desired consistency. It is always recommended to add water to your container 1st and then the powder. This greatly reduces the clumping of powder and makes it easier to mix.
• Large Amounts: When mixing up larger amounts it may be easier to mix equal amounts of water and powder together using a wire paint paddle on a drill or similar method, on lowest speed, being careful not to mix too fast which can create foam.
• Timing: Mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes. Then let stand for 10-15 minutes so everything has a chance to disperse completely.
• Strain: Sometimes powder lumps don’t fully dissolve. You may want to strain the mixed paint through a paper mesh paint funnel, a piece of cheesecloth, or, better still, a piece of nylon stocking.
• Stir: Stir paint every 10 minutes or so while using and add more water if needed to get the proper consistency if the paint thickens.
• Best Used Fresh: Milk paint is always best mixed up fresh. If you happen to have leftover paint, or need to wait a day to finish your project you may keep any unused paint in a sealed container in the refrigerator (even plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band is fine). It keeps best if mixed on the thinner side, even with a thin layer of water put on top of the paint mixture. Being true to the original formulas we do not add unnatural preservatives or extenders to our paint and due to its organic nature it can thicken and gel up over time, so it is best to mix up what you plan to use that day if possible. Any unused powder can be stored indefinitely in an airtight container such as a jar.

(G) Ingredient Quality

Just as in Colonial times, and earlier, our milk paint does contain lime, milk protein, clays and earth pigments. We use no lead, no chemical preservatives and no hydrocarbons or other petroleum derivatives. The other ingredients are inert materials. All of our ingredients are food grade or pharmaceutical grade.

(H) Zero Toxicity

Milk paint is non-toxic as it contains no petrochemicals or voc’s. When wet, our paint has a slight earthy milk odor which will disappear in a few hours. The hydrated lime is highly alkaline, naturally anti-bacterial and lowers its alkalinity as it catalyzes with the acidic milk protein. Inert when dry, it can still have anti-bacterial properties depending on the humidity in the area.

(I) Shelf Life

Keep the paint powder sealed until ready to use. If it is kept dry and air-tight, it should last indefinitely. If exposed to air or dampness for any period, the active lime becomes inert and turns to chalk. When this happens, the paint won’t mix up properly and if applied can powder off. We recommend storing unused powder in a glass or metal container with a tight lid.

(J) Technical Assistance

For technical assistance, telephone (435) 255-4556, during normal business hours, 9 – 5 MST, Monday through Wednesday, except on holidays.

(K) Disclaimer

Since the use of our products is not under our direct supervision, we cannot guarantee any results of use beyond our control, even though the directions were followed. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or the inability to use, the product.
Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for his/her intended use and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.