Hey fellow eco-paint enthusiasts! 
I’ve recently dived deep into the world of natural paints, specifically milk paint, for my home renovation projects. It’s been a game-changer for me, not just for its minimal environmental impact but also for the unique, matte finish it gives to furniture and walls. However, I’ve hit a snag - finding a durable strainer that can handle frequent use with milk paint. I’ve tried a couple of metal mesh strainers, but they either rust or get clogged too easily.
I’m currently using Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint, which I absolutely adore for its vibrant colors and eco-friendly credentials. But, as you might know, milk paint comes in powder form and needs to be mixed and strained before use. I’m on the lookout for a strainer that’s not only durable but also easy to clean, to make my painting process smoother and more sustainable.
Has anyone found a strainer that stands up to frequent milk paint use? I’m curious about materials - would a fine nylon mesh work better than metal? Also, any tips on cleaning and maintaining your strainer to extend its life would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our experiences and help each other make our eco-friendly painting journeys a bit easier!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve been using milk paint for a couple of years now and I totally get your struggle with strainers. I switched to a fine nylon mesh strainer last year and it’s been a game-changer for me. It doesn’t rust, and the paint doesn’t clog it as easily as it did with metal ones. Plus, it’s super easy to clean under running water. I got mine from a local art supply store, but I’m sure you can find them online too.
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I’ve experimented with a few different strainers over the years, and I’ve found that stainless steel mesh strainers work best for me. They’re durable, don’t rust, and if you get one with a finer mesh, it does a great job of straining the paint without clogging. Cleaning is straightforward - just rinse it immediately after use. I use one from a brand called PaintEco, and it’s held up really well.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into getting a nylon mesh strainer. Do you have any specific brand recommendations, or are they pretty much all the same? Also, how often do you find yourself needing to replace it?
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@DIYMaster I second the recommendation for stainless steel strainers. I’ve been using one from EcoTools for my milk paint projects, and it’s been incredibly durable. The key is to rinse it immediately after use, as you mentioned. I’ve had mine for over a year now, and it’s still in great condition.
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I’m just starting out with milk paint and this thread is super helpful! I was wondering, does anyone have tips for storing the strainer between uses? I’m worried about it getting damaged or dirty if I just leave it out.
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@NatureLover I usually rinse my nylon strainer thoroughly after each use and then let it air dry completely before storing it in a clean, dry place. I have a small hook in my painting area where I hang it to dry. This has worked well for me to keep it in good condition.
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Has anyone tried using a reusable coffee filter as a strainer for milk paint? I was thinking about giving it a try since they’re made of fine mesh and are designed to be durable and easy to clean. Plus, it would be another way to repurpose something I already have!
@EcoWarrior That’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried it myself, but it sounds like it could work well, especially for smaller projects. The mesh on coffee filters is quite fine, so it should do a good job of straining the paint. Let us know how it goes if you try it!
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I’ve been using a nylon mesh strainer for my milk paint projects, and it’s been a solid choice so far. The key is to get one with a fine enough mesh to catch all the clumps without slowing down the straining process. Plus, nylon is super easy to clean, just rinse it under warm water right after use. Haven’t had any issues with clogging or durability yet.
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Interesting take on the nylon strainer. I went the stainless steel route and haven’t looked back. The one I got has a super fine mesh, and it’s been a champ at handling the milk paint without any rust issues. Cleaning is a breeze, and it’s held up through countless projects. Definitely worth the investment if you’re in it for the long haul.
I tried both nylon and stainless steel, and honestly, I lean towards stainless steel for its durability. But, I did find that soaking the strainer in warm soapy water right after use makes a huge difference in maintenance. It keeps the mesh from getting clogged and extends the life of the strainer, regardless of the material.
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Has anyone considered using a reusable coffee filter for straining milk paint? I stumbled upon this idea and gave it a shot. Surprisingly, it worked pretty well for smaller projects. It’s not as durable as metal or nylon strainers, but it’s an eco-friendly option that’s easy to clean and replace if needed.
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I’m all about the stainless steel strainers too. They just seem to handle the wear and tear better, especially with frequent use. I did want to mention, though, that the handle design can make a big difference in ease of use. I prefer ones with a longer handle for better control when pouring the paint. It’s a small detail, but it makes the process a lot smoother.
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Hey there! For storing your strainer between uses, I’ve found that rinsing it immediately after use and then letting it air dry completely before storing it in a dry place works wonders. I usually hang mine on a small hook in my painting area. This keeps it from getting damaged or dirty. Also, if you’re worried about rust, maybe consider a nylon mesh strainer. They’re pretty durable and don’t rust.
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I second the nylon mesh strainer suggestion. They’re a game-changer for milk paint. As for storage, I keep mine in a ziplock bag after it’s completely dry. It keeps it clean and ready for the next use. Just make sure it’s fully dry to avoid any mildew.
I’ve been using a stainless steel strainer for my milk paint projects, and it’s holding up pretty well. No rust issues so far. After use, I rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush to remove any paint residue. Then, I let it dry and store it in a drawer with my other painting tools. Maybe give stainless steel a try if nylon doesn’t work out for you.
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Just jumping in to say that I’ve had good luck with a fine mesh paint strainer from a hardware store. It’s not specifically for milk paint, but it’s been durable and easy to clean. For storage, I wrap it in a paper towel and keep it in a small container. Keeps it clean and prevents it from getting bent out of shape. Also, anyone tried using a coffee filter as a strainer in a pinch? Curious if that works.
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I actually tried using a reusable coffee filter for straining milk paint, and it worked surprisingly well! The fine mesh caught all the lumps, and it was super easy to rinse out after use. Just make sure to get one with a sturdy frame so it doesn’t collapse under the weight of the paint.
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That’s a creative idea! I’ve been using a nylon mesh paint strainer from a hardware store, and it’s been holding up great. No rust issues, and it’s easy to clean. Maybe give that a shot if the coffee filter doesn’t work out for you.
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