Tricksy milk painting
I forgot what a complete pain milk painting is. A couple of years ago I had all four wisdom teeth out in one go and spent two weeks at home looking like an unfortunate squirrel. To avoid climbing the walls I renovated this large cedar robe from Mitchell Rd auction house, cursing all the while.
You would think I’d learnt my lesson, but no… I’ve gone and done it again.
This time I opted for an oyster grey paint from Porter’s, pencilling a cameo in the centre piece before filling in with black acrylic. The profile sort-of looks like a young Elizabeth II. I was having a nostalgic moment for ‘ol blighty, having just had our Keep Calm and Carry On poster re-framed for above the bed. Vivienne Westwood’s Union Jack cushion would finish off the look perfectly, don’t you think?
Cedar robe
Elizabeth II
I adore this idea of “milk Painting” wardrobes & dressers. I havent had much joy in finding much info on how i actually do this! Would love a more detailed post on how to achieve the looks above. & i also love your book, so inspiring!
Hello Miss Audrey, milk paint usually comes with its own instructions, but you basically have to strip the varnish on the item down with sandpaper, dust it off, apply a couple of coats of undercoat (particularly if it’s a dark wood) and then get started with applying the milk paint. It’s quite a thin paint, so you have to apply it with a small amount on the brush and be careful it doesn’t end up too streaky or with drips (unless you’re going for that effect). The best place to buy it in Australia is definitely Porters Paints, and they even run courses on how to do your own furniture restoration. Good luck!