Hey fellow green DIYers! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living room using only natural and eco-friendly materials. After some research, I stumbled upon casein paint, which is made from milk protein, and it seemed like a perfect match for my sustainability goals. I went with the Old Fashioned Milk Paint brand, which has a great reputation for being non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The application was a bit of a learning curve, but the finish is stunning—very matte and rich in color.
Now, I’m at the stage where I need to seal the paint to protect it from wear and tear. I’ve heard that natural oils like linseed or tung oil can be used as a sealer, but I’m curious about your experiences. Have any of you tried sealing casein paint with natural oils? How did it turn out in terms of durability and finish? Did it alter the color or texture of the paint? Also, any tips on the application process would be greatly appreciated. I’m aiming for a balance between eco-friendliness and practicality, so any insights you can share would be invaluable.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Let’s make our homes beautiful and kind to the planet! 
Hey @EcoPainter89, I’ve used tung oil to seal casein paint on a few projects, and it’s worked out pretty well for me. The key is to apply it thinly and evenly. It does deepen the color a bit, giving it a richer look, but it maintains the matte finish which I love. Durability-wise, it’s held up against daily wear, though I did notice it needs a reapplication after a couple of years in high-traffic areas.
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Thanks, @GreenThumb22! That’s really helpful. Did you dilute the tung oil at all, or did you apply it straight? Also, how many coats did you find necessary for good protection?
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I applied it straight, but I’ve heard some people dilute it with citrus solvent for easier application. I did two thin coats, allowing it to dry completely between applications. It’s important to wipe off any excess oil to avoid a sticky finish.
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I tried using linseed oil on my casein-painted furniture. It gave a beautiful, warm glow to the finish, but I did notice it yellowed slightly over time. Not a deal-breaker for me, but something to be aware of if you’re going for a specific color tone.
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Interesting point about the yellowing, @SandyShore45. How long did it take for you to notice the yellowing effect? And did it affect the overall durability of the finish?
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The yellowing became noticeable after about a year, but it was very gradual. As for durability, it’s been solid. No chipping or peeling, just the color change. I think it adds character, but I know not everyone feels the same way!
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Has anyone tried a mix of oils? I’m curious about combining tung oil and linseed oil for sealing. Maybe it could balance out the yellowing issue while still providing a durable finish.
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That’s an interesting idea, @BreezyCanvas. I wonder if anyone has experience with mixing oils for sealing. It could be a great way to get the best of both worlds.
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I’ve been using beeswax as a sealer for my casein paint projects. It’s a bit more labor-intensive to apply, but it gives a lovely, soft sheen and doesn’t alter the color. Plus, it’s completely natural and smells amazing!
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Beeswax sounds like a great option, @MossyOak! How do you apply it? Do you melt it down and brush it on, or is there another method you prefer?
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I melt it gently and mix it with a bit of turpentine to make it easier to apply. Then, I use a soft cloth to rub it into the surface. It takes a bit of elbow grease, but the finish is worth it. Just make sure to buff it well to avoid a waxy buildup.
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