Layering Vintage Milk Paint

The purpose of layering Vintage Milk Paint is to create an antique finish.  By burnishing with steel wool, the underlying colors may be revealed in order to make the surface look old.  Chose colors that match, but that contrast in nature.  It doesn’t actually matter which color you use first, the darker or lighter, apply the color that should accent the piece first, followed by its contrasting partner.

Materials

2 Contrasting colors Vintage Milk Paint
Bamboo Brush, Steel Wool
Mona Lisa water-based Medium
Paper Mache box or other surface on which to layer
such as an Altered Book cover
wooden picture frame
or terra cotta pot.  For best results
use porous surfaces.

Vintage Milk Paint may be found in the Vintage Paint Works store, boxes may be found in your local stationary store, and brushes may be found at www.dickblick.com. Steel wool is normally a household product and if not on hand, a fine grain sandpaper will work as well.

Step 1:

Mix first color VMP for porous surfaces. Apply 1 medium-think coat on outside of paper mache box with bamboo brush.

Step 2:

Mix second, contrasting color VMP for porous surfaces. Apply 1 medium-think coat on outside of paper mache box with bamboo brush.

Step 3:

Burnish with steel wool to expose underlying color.

Step 4:

Seal with Mona Lisa water-based Medium. For a matte finish, mix 1:1 with water. For a bright finish use Medium straight from bottle.

Alternate:

Use three colors to layer instead of just two. This will add more accent color to your project surface. In order to do this, repeat Step 2 using a third contrasting color.