Milk Paint vs Chalk Paint: What’s Right For You?

When it comes to deciding on the right paint for painting furniture, knowing the difference between milk paint vs chalk paint is a common conundrum. Both of these paints can create unique effects, but understanding their differences is key in order to choose the right one for your project.

In this review, we’ll compare milk paint and chalk paint in detail, exploring their pros and cons so that DIYers can make an informed decision on which type of paint is best for their next project.

Are you a DIYer looking for the perfect paint to use on your next project? We know that you want to make sure that you are using the right paint for your project.

Both of these popular types of paints offer unique finishes, but if you don’t understand what is the difference between milk paint and chalk paint, it can make it difficult to choose the right one. You don’t want to waste time or money on the wrong type of paint, but how do you decide between chalk paint vs milk paint?

That’s why we’ve created this review – to provide DIYers with all the information they need before deciding which type of paint is right for their project.

In this review, we’ll dive into both milk and chalk paint, explore their pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision about what works best for you and your DIY project. So let’s get started!

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Milk Paint for Furniture

Milk paint is a popular choice for DIYers who want to create a beautiful, natural rustic looking finish. This non-toxic and environmentally friendly paint offers a matte finish that can be used to get both chippy and solid looks. It also dries quickly, making it easy to work with.

But, it has a mind of its own. Forget all your ideas for how you want it to turn out because sometimes it chips, and other times it doesn’t.

There are some specific things you can do to help the milk paint chip or not chip, but ultimately, it does what it wants. Learn how to get a chippy painted finish everytime with this technique. And learn how to get a solid painted finish with milk paint here. And learn more how to paint furniture with milk paint here.

I also must say that the milk paint that we are talking about here is powdered milk paint. This does not include General Finishes Milk Paint or Rust-oleum Milk Paint. Those paints are completely different from powdered milk paint.

Check out our list of the best milk paint for furniture here to learn more about the basics and the top milk paint options on the market.

Pros:

• Matte finish for a beautiful, natural look
• Non-toxic and environmentally friendly paint
• Ready to use out of the can for quick and easy projects
• Sticks to surfaces better than wall paint for durable results
• Minimal brush strokes

Cons:

• You must topcoat it
• Most surfaces need scuff sanded and primed (even though manufacturers say otherwise)

Furniture Makeovers with Milk Paint

I love using milk paint on furniture! Here are a few before and after makeovers of milk painted furniture.

• Emerald Green Painted Dresser
• Painted Hutch Makeover
• The Chippy Gray Milk Paint Dresser
• DIY Painted Chippy Farmhouse Dresser
• DIY Emerald Green Mismatched Nightstands
• Black Milk Painted Dresser
• DIY Dark Green Nightstands

… and more milk painted furniture ideas here!

Where to Buy Milk Paint

True powdered milk paint is a litter harder to find. Usually, you can only find it online, unless you have a small business that sells it in your area. Here are the best places to find the best milk paint.

• Amazon – Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint
• Etsy – Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint

Chalk Paint for Furniture

Chalk paint is a type of paint that has become increasingly popular among DIYers in recent years. It offers a matte finish, low VOCs, and a thick consistency that makes it ideal for creating a unique, textured look on furniture and other surfaces.

Chalk paint can be used to create distressed looks or smooth finishes depending on the technique you use. With its versatility and ease of use, this paint is perfect for beginner painters. Learn more about what is chalk paint and 5 chalk paint problems and how to fix them here.

Check out my comparison posts of chalk paint vs acrylic paint and mineral paint vs chalk paint here, and learn what is the difference between chalk paint and regular paint here.

A big misconception with chalk paint is that you don’t have to prep your furniture before painting with it… and that’s simply not true in most cases. Read through this post to learn the truth about using chalk paint for furniture, and learn all about how to chalk paint furniture here.

For best results, your furniture still needs to be scuff sanded and primed before painting with chalk paint. Learn about the importance of sanding before painting furniture here! If you don’t do these things before painting with chalk paint, your paint will most likely easily scratch off.

Or you very well will come across stains that stain your paint. Here’s how to stop stains from coming through paint. Check out my guide on how to paint over chalk paint here if you want to update to a new coat of paint over your chalk painted piece.

Pros:

• Low VOCs make it easier to work with
• Ready to use out of the can for quick and easy projects
• Sticks to surfaces better than wall paint (latex paint)
• Can be used to create distressed looks or smooth finishes depending on the technique you use

Cons:

• Expect brush strokes in the paint
• It must be topcoated for protection and durability
• Most surfaces need scuff sanded and primed (even though manufacturers claim otherwise)

Chalk Painted Furniture Makeovers

A good majority of the furniture makeovers on this website have been with chalk paint. But here are some that you can check out!

• How to Chalk Paint Furniture White
• Grey Chalk Paint Dresser
• Chalk Painting Furniture Black
• Homemade Chalk Paint Dresser Makeover
• Chalk Painted Furniture

Where to Buy Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is so easy to find! Almost any hardware store has at least one version of it available. But here are the top places to buy chalk paint.

• Amazon – Country Chic Paint
• Etsy – Country Chic Paint
• Home Depot – Behr Chalk Paint
• Walmart – Waverly Chalk Paint
• Ace Hardware – Chalk Paint

milk paint vs chalk paint for furniture

When it comes to chalk paint vs milk paint, both have their pros and cons.

For DIYers looking to create either chippy or rustic looks, milk paint is the way to go. On the other hand, chalk paint offers more versatility while still being easy enough for beginners.

They both need to be topcoated for durability and so you have the ability to wipe things off the surface. Learn about topcoats for painting furniture here. If you’re going to use polycrylic, here’s how to apply polycrylic to painted furniture. You can also check out how to use Waverly chalk paint and wax here if you choose these products.

Both need a scuff sanded surface if you don’t want to paint to easily come off. Chalk paint also needs to be applied to a primed surface for best results. Learn about the best primers for painting furniture you can use here.

But no scuff sanding or priming is needed if you want a chippy look with the milk paint. The milk paint will stick very well in most areas, and not stick well in other areas.

is milk paint the same as chalk paint?

No, chalk paint and milk paint are not the same.

Chalk paint is more versatile and can be used to create solid, modern finishes or distressed finishes, while milk paint is better for achieving a chippy or rustic look.

Both need to be topcoated for protection and durability, but chalk paint needs to be applied on a scuff sanded and primed surface for best results, whereas milk paint only needs a scuff sanded surface if a chippy effect is not desired.

You can also mix some bonding agent into the milk paint to help it stick to the surface better.

Why Would You Use Milk Paint?

Milk paint is a great choice for creating a chippy or rustic look on furniture. It also has no VOCs, which make it easier to work with and less toxic than other paints.

Additionally, it can provide unique results depending on the surface you are painting and how slick that surface is. Milk paint should always be topcoated for protection and durability. Check out the 3 ways to seal milk paint here to know your options.

How long will milk paint last?

If you plan to use milk paint on furniture, you might want to consider how long it will last. In its powdered form, milk paint has a pretty long shelf life if stored in an airtight bag. That means you can stock up on your favorite colors and have them ready for your next project without worrying about the paint going bad.

However, once you mix milk paint with water, it only lasts around a day or so. Make sure to use it within that time frame, or else you’ll have to mix a new batch. If you need to use the mixed milk paint the next day, there’s a simple solution – put it in the fridge! Add a little bit of water on top to keep it from drying out completely, and store it in an airtight container.

So if you’re working with milk paint, it’s important that you plan ahead so you can mix only what you need for your project and don’t waste any paint. With proper storage and planning, you’ll be able to enjoy milk paint for all your furniture painting needs!

What happens if you don’t seal Milk Paint or chalk paint?

If you don’t seal milk or chalk paint, you’re pretty much leaving your furniture to survive on its own out there. Trust me, it’s not a good look!

They are prone to water damage and can easily get dirty from just a simple touch. I’m talking about those pesky white marks that show up whenever you put your hands on it. Not only that, but it’s also prone to scratches and stains unless you use a protective topcoat.

If you want your precious painted piece to last, make sure to seal it with a topcoat! Not only will it protect against wear and tear, but it’ll also make cleaning and maintaining your furniture a whole lot easier.

So what is the verdict? Now that you know what milk paint vs chalk paint is and the difference between chalk paint and milk paint, it really all comes down to your personal preference!

Based on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of paint, you can decide if you want a versatile finish with chalk paint or a chippy look with milk paint. And if you still can’t decide between the two, why not try them both?

More Furniture Paint Resources

• Country Chic Paint Review
• Mixing Milk Paint
• Waverly Chalk Paint: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Remove Chalk Paint
• Rethunk Junk Paint Review

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