How to Milk Wash Cabinets
- 1). Remove the hardware, doors and shelves from the cabinets. Store the hardware in a safe location, so it does not get lost.
- 2). Clean the cabinets with a wood cleaner. The wood has to be free of dirt and grease. Wipe the wood dry, then allow it to air-dry completely. The wood must be totally dry before you proceed.
- 3). Sand the surface of the cabinets with 180-grit sandpaper.
- 4). Clear away the dust with your vacuum cleaner and its soft-bristle brush attachment. Wipe the wood surface with a tack cloth to ensure that all the dust is off the cabinets.
- 5). Place the cabinets on a tarp or dropcloth to protect the floor. If the cabinets are hanging on the wall, cover the items below in case of drips. Cover your work table with a tarp or dropcloth, and place the cabinet doors on it.
- 6). Measure the milk powder of your color choice into a plastic can or other container. Add only half the water to the powder, and stir with a paint stirring stick to make a paste. This helps eliminate lumps. When you have a smooth paste, add the remainder of the water, stirring as you pour. Stir the contents until the powder and water are combined and lump free.
- 7). Dip the tip of your paintbrush into the milk paint. Apply the first coat of paint. The first coat will be absorbed into the wood, so the paint will not glide on smoothly. You will need to reapply paint to the brush often. Do not allow the first coat to dry before you apply the second coat of paint. The second coat will glide on more smoothly. Always paint in the direction of the wood grain.
- 8). Allow the milk wash paint to dry thoroughly. It usually takes one to two hours, depending on the humidity of the day. The surface will take on a papery appearance.
- 9). Sand the painted surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Vacuum the surface to remove dust, and then wipe it down with a tack cloth.
- 10
Paint the cabinets again, and repeat the steps until the wood has the look you desire.