Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my old wooden furniture using milk paint, specifically the Real Milk Paint Co. brand. I chose it for its natural ingredients and minimal environmental impact. But here’s the thing - I’m struggling a bit with getting that perfect, flawless finish. I’ve tried a couple of brushes, but I’m not entirely satisfied with the results.
I started with a standard synthetic bristle brush, thinking it would be gentle on the paint, but it left streaks and didn’t spread the paint as evenly as I hoped. Then, I switched to a natural bristle brush, which was better, but still not the flawless finish I’m aiming for. I’m curious, what brushes or tools have you all used with milk paint? Have you found a particular type that works wonders for a smooth application?
Also, I’m wondering about the surface prep. I lightly sanded the furniture before applying, but I’m not sure if I should be doing more or less. Any tips on surface preparation that could help achieve a better finish? Let’s share our experiences and tips on getting that perfect milk paint finish while keeping our planet in mind! 
Hey @EcoPainter88! I’ve been using milk paint for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that natural bristle brushes work best for me too. However, the key is in the technique. I always make sure to thin the paint slightly with water for the first coat, which helps in achieving a smoother finish. For the final coat, I use a foam roller for larger surfaces and a high-quality natural bristle brush for details. This combo has given me the most consistent results. Also, don’t forget to sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for that extra smoothness!
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I agree with @GreenThumb99 about thinning the paint. It makes a huge difference! I also recommend using a tack cloth after sanding to remove all the dust. It’s a small step, but it really helps in preventing any bumps or imperfections in the finish. As for brushes, I’ve had great success with badger hair brushes. They’re a bit pricier, but the finish is unparalleled.
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Thanks, @GreenThumb99! I hadn’t thought about using a foam roller for milk paint. I’ll definitely give that a try. Do you have any specific brand recommendations for the natural bristle brushes?
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@DIYQueen, a tack cloth sounds like a great idea! I’ll add that to my prep routine. Badger hair brushes are new to me, but I’m intrigued. Where do you usually purchase yours?
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I’ve been experimenting with milk paint on various projects, and I’ve found that the surface preparation is just as important as the application tools. I always start with a thorough cleaning, followed by sanding. Then, I apply a natural primer before the milk paint. This extra step has significantly improved the finish for me. As for brushes, I prefer using goat hair brushes. They’re soft and hold the paint well, allowing for a smoother application.
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@NatureLover23, a natural primer is an interesting approach. Do you have a favorite brand or recipe for the primer? Also, goat hair brushes sound promising. I’ll look into those as well. Thanks for the tips!
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Just chiming in to say that I love the community here! So many great tips. I’m still new to milk paint, but I’m learning a lot from everyone’s experiences. I haven’t tried it on furniture yet, but I’m planning to start with some small decorative items. Wish me luck!
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@CraftyCarla, good luck with your projects! Starting small is a great idea. You’ll get the hang of it in no time. And yes, this community is amazing for learning and sharing. Can’t wait to see what you create!
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I’ve been using milk paint for a while now, and I totally get where you’re coming from. The trick I found is to use a foam brush for the first coat. It helps to lay down a smooth base. Then, for the second coat, I switch to a high-quality natural bristle brush. This combo has given me the best results so far. Also, don’t forget to sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. It makes a world of difference.
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Interesting approach with the foam brush. I might have to give that a try. Personally, I’ve been using a microfiber roller for the initial application and then going over it with a fine-bristle brush for the details. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but the finish is super smooth. Plus, it helps to minimize brush strokes. Have you ever tried a roller with milk paint?
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I haven’t tried a roller yet, but I’m intrigued. I usually stick to brushes because I’m working on smaller, more detailed pieces. But for larger surfaces, a roller sounds like it could save a lot of time. Do you thin the paint when using a roller, or do you apply it straight from the can?
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I always thin the milk paint a bit, regardless of the tool I’m using. It just spreads more evenly that way. For rollers, I mix it to a consistency that’s similar to heavy cream. It might take a bit of trial and error to get it just right, but once you do, the application is so much smoother. Also, make sure to use a lint-free roller to avoid any fibers getting stuck in the paint.
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I’ve been using milk paint for a while now, and I totally agree about the importance of surface prep. I usually go for a fine-grit sandpaper after cleaning, it really helps the paint adhere better. For brushes, I stumbled upon using foam brushes by accident, but they’ve been a game-changer for me. They don’t leave brush marks and give a really smooth finish. Maybe give them a try?
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Interesting take on the foam brushes! I’ve always been a bit skeptical about them, thinking they might not hold enough paint. But hearing your experience, I might just give them a shot. I’ve been using a high-quality natural bristle brush, and while it’s good, it’s not perfect. Do you find the foam brushes absorb a lot of paint, or do they manage to spread it evenly without soaking it all up?
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I’ve had mixed results with foam brushes. Sometimes they work great, other times not so much. I think it depends on the project. For larger surfaces, I prefer a roller designed for smooth finishes. It’s quicker and gives a more uniform coat. But for detailed work, I stick to my trusty natural bristle brush. It’s all about finding the right tool for the job, I guess.
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Rollers, huh? I haven’t tried that yet. Do you use a specific type of roller for milk paint? I’m worried about the texture it might leave. Also, how do you deal with the cleanup? I find milk paint can be a bit tricky to clean off tools compared to regular paint.
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For rollers, I go for a microfiber roller cover. It’s great for a smooth finish and doesn’t leave a texture. Cleanup is a bit of a hassle, I’ll admit. I usually rinse my tools immediately after use with warm water. If the paint has dried, a bit of vinegar helps to soften it up. It’s extra work, but worth it for the eco-friendly aspect of milk paint.
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I’ve been experimenting with different application techniques and found that thinning the milk paint slightly with water can make a big difference in achieving a smoother finish. It requires more coats, but the end result is worth it. Has anyone else tried this? Also, do you think the brand of milk paint affects the finish? I’ve only used Real Milk Paint Co. so far.
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Hey, I’ve been using milk paint for a while now, and I found that foam brushes work wonders for a smooth finish. They don’t leave brush marks like bristle brushes can. Just make sure to use a light hand to avoid bubbles. Also, for surface prep, I usually go over the piece with a tack cloth after sanding to remove any dust. It really helps the paint adhere better.