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How to Paint Antique Cabinets

One of the most tried-and-true techniques for painting antique cabinets was also used by the ancient Egyptians: milk paint. It's simple to use and your finished painted wood cabinets will glow with the soft, brushed earth-toned colors of milk paint. The process revitalizes drab old furniture, but still keeps the integrity and charm of the antique because it is an antique process itself. Milk paint is a made from a few basic raw materials̵1;casein (milk protein binder), clays, lime and earth pigments. Antique cabinets redone with this paint of the pharaohs will breath new life into your decor.

Things You'll Need

Milk paint powder, bag
2 1/2-gallon plastic bucket
Sandpaper, 120 grit and 220 grit
Brushes, natural bristle, 2 to 4 inches
Sponge
Soft cloth
Clear acrylic varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Sand your antique cabinet with a 120-grit sandpaper to create a slight tooth for the milk paint to attach to. Milk paint works best on raw wood or cabinets with worn and faded paint. If you have a painted cabinet, be sure any wax, grease and oils are removed before applying the milk paint. For other surfaces, such as laminated woods, paint the cabinet with a wood-colored acrylic bonding primer before adding the first coat.
- 2
  Mix the milk paint, 1 part powder to 1 part water. Stir for 10 minutes to a medium light cream consistency. It should not be too thick or it will crack on the surface of the piece, nor so thin that it is watery and will run off it.
- 3
  Paint on the first coat of milk paint quickly, allowing the paint to soak into the wood. Do not let paint puddle, work it uniformly into the surface.Overlap your strokes as you paint. Allow to dry and sand again with 120 grit. Streaks and specs in the paint are fine and give a nice antique brushed translucent surface. After the paint is dry, sand with the 220-grit sandpaper. Clean off dust with the soft cloth. The first coat seals the surface.
- 4
  Take the damp cloth and wipe the piece back, exposing areas of the wood color underneath. This will give the piece the beautiful two-toned luster.
- 5
  Thin the paint a little with water and apply a second coat. This will flow more freely than the first coat. Unlike acrylic paint, Milk paint has a brushed surface quality that gives the piece an aged look.
- 6
  Use the damp cloth to wear away any of the areas that you want exposed
- 7
  Apply two coats of clear acrylic varnish. Allow to dry completely between coats.

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