For some time now I have been wanting to try Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint. In particular, I have been drawn to the red color called “Tricycle.” I have used other milk paints, but just hadn’t yet tried MMS. I decided to order some, and then look for just the right project to try it on. Am I the only one who puts the cart before the horse and buys the paint before the furniture?
I found a great farm style table that was the perfect candidate for a red milk paint makeover. Here it is all finished.
Check out that red. It is so pretty!
The top of this table is butcher block. I wanted to finish it so that it could be used for food preparation. A set of wheels and it would be good to go as a kitchen island. So, I did not want to put poly on it. Instead, I wanted to use a finish that would allow the wood to darken and naturally patina over time. Like a true farm table should.
To finish the wood, I decided to try a product called Odie’s Oxi Oil. It is a natural product made of oils and waxes. It has the consistency of honey, and looks like honey, too. It has a pleasant, but strong, smell. It is food safe and was recommended to me for use on butcher block. It’s not cheap, though. This little jar cost me $30.
I started by sanding down the top of the table to bare wood. It originally had a stain and some type of poly finish that had seen better days. Once sanded smooth, I cleaned off the dust and applied the Odie’s. I used a microfiber rag and just rubbed it into the wood. I let it sit for about 40 minutes and then buffed it. The raw wood really soaked up the Odie’s, so I applied another coat the next day following the same steps. Application of this oil really couldn’t be simpler. The wood looks great and I am happy with the results.
The rest of the table had a light stain, but no type of topcoat. I sanded it lightly, cleaned it, and it was ready for the milk paint. I had done some research on MMS milk paint and learned that the red is the most difficult to mix (because it is so heavily pigmented). Milk paint in general can be a bit tricky to get smooth. I decided to use my kitchen Ninja to mix the paint. I have the single serving style cups and it worked great for mixing the paint. Shhh, don’t tell anyone I used the family smoothie maker for mixing paint. Yikes.
I poured 1/3 cup of warm water into the blender cup and then added 1/3 cup of the powder. I lightly mixed with a spoon and then blended it in the Ninja for about 1 minute. I let it sit for about 15 minutes, added the bonding agent, and then mixed it for another minute. The paint came out so smooth with no lumps. The consistency was just right, too. Milk paint can also be tricky being either too runny or too thick.
The paint went on great. Because the table was essentially raw wood, it soaked up the paint almost like a stain. I probably did not need to use the bonding agent on this piece, but I didn’t want any chipping, so decided not to chance it. I got really nice coverage with one coat, and could have stopped there. I did apply a second coat and it looks fantastic. I used the paint from my original batch with the bonding agent because I had so much left – 1/3 cup of powder was more than enough for two coats on this table. I still had some left over.
The next day I sanded the milk paint using a 220 grit sanding sponge. The finish felt so buttery and smooth. Milk paint feels a bit gritty and does need to be lightly sanded to achieve a smooth finish. I cleaned off the dust and then applied General Finishes HP topcoat in flat to seal and protect. The topcoat deepens the color of the milk paint and adds a richness to the finish.
This table has a little drawer, so I added a cute knob I had on hand from Anthropology as the finishing touch. My kids tell me I say “cute” too much. Whatever.
I am pretty much in love with the MMS milk paint. I’m already thinking about other projects to use it on. The Odie’s was also great for this project. It’s so easy to use and gave me the finish I wanted for this table.
Thanks so much for reading my post. I would love to hear about your experiences with MMS milk paint and Odie’s.
By the way, I am writing this blog post from my newly refinished desk (check it out here) and I love it!
Susan
Linking with Miss Mustard Seed
Susan, thank you for sharing such a beautiful project! I’ve never used milk paint before because I keep thinking the wood has to be “raw”. Love that red color! Thanks also for the tip about Odie’s Oil. I went to their website and found so many great products.
Lovely makeover! I’ve eyed that color for awhile, along with Flow Blue. My first experience with MMS was complete trial and error (can read about it here if you’re curious: http://dravenmade.blogspot.com/2014/08/milk-paint-mixology-101.html). I was using Artissimo Blue, which is a gorgeous navy, but kept having troubles with my mixture until finally figuring out that I’d been mixing it too thin! Love the finished look of MMS paints, especially after adding hemp see oil. 🙂
Thank you! There is definitely a learning curve with milk paint. I did check out your post about Artissimo – great job!
Another show stopper. I too am working on my first milk paint project using tricycle. I am ready to throw in the towel because it looks soooo bad. By the end of the day it is either going to look as good as your piece or it will get a whole new look.
Sorry to hear you are having a rough go of it with the milk paint. It can be so unpredictable. What is going on with your project?
Mixed per directions, too thin, added more paint, it never dissolved, way too grainy despite blending, stirring and shaking with warm water. It stayed foamy for hours. W hen I finally gave up and just started painting, the coverage was awful. Despite bonding agent, it just didn’t lay down nicely. I have had to sand off all the Undissolved pigment. I hate this project but I AM determined to see it through. I also bought arrtissimo to paint a chair to go with the child sized red desk. I wish I had a small child in my family I could gift it to. If I Tried to sell the set I would have to charge $400 to cover supplies and labor. On a happy note, all of your lamp black creations inspired me to paint an oak dresser to sell. Well after the satin top coat went on and the lovely crystal knobs we installed, I decided to keep it!!!!!
Love the shade of red, Susan. I haven’t tried true milk paint yet, but love the coverage you achieved. I always tend to think of milk paint being used for the real chippy look which I love for other people’s projects but isn’t a look I go for in my own home. But this is inspiring and maybe I will give it a shot!
Hi Jennifer – Milk paint can be unpredictable for sure. I haven’t done any pieces with the chippy look (I may at some point, but just haven’t found the right piece). I do like how milk paint can give a piece a lot of dimension and a more rustic feel. It’s fun to paint with – you should give it a try! You just have to be willing to let go of the reigns and let the milk paint take the lead.
I love red! It’s very cheerful to me. I wish I could find the time to do what you do. Your wood painting is perfection!