Once you’ve found a milk paint color you love and paint your project, don’t forget the finishing step — applying a topcoat of wax. Is wax absolutely necessary to completing your milk paint project? Not really, but when you use wax with milk paint does add a nice durable finish and tough coat to your piece while adding luster and sheen.
The Real Milk Paint Co. carries a number of eco-friendly and easy-to-use waxes including:
- Clear Carnauba wax
- Zero VOC wax
- Myland’s wax
- Soapstone sealer and wood wax
- Brown wax
- Wood wax
How to Use Wax With Milk Paint
Once your milk paint finishes drying (we recommend waiting at least 24 hours), you can apply wax. You’ll need a clean, lint-free rag or wax brush. Simply apply an even, thin layer of wax over the entire surface of your project. Take care by applying a touch up with the wax into ridges, chipping and other minor crevices. Once you’ve finished waxing the surface, allow it to dry for at least 5 minutes. Take another clean, soft rag and start buffing the wax. Clean your brush and rags with warm soapy water.
Make Your Own Customized Color Wax
Thinking about custom colors? You can turn your wax into a clear, white wax or dark wax. Not only does wax provide a protective sheen over your project, you can also tint wax to add some creative flair. Using a clear wax for your DIY project such as carnauba wax paste, select a dry, powdered pigment from the Real Milk Paint® color chart.
You’ll need a clean container (a jar or mixing bowl will do), paint thinner (such as Citrus Solvent) and a spoon/stir stick.
Scoop out some wax into the clean container and add one tablespoon of pigment to the wax. Mix and stir well. If you find the wax is too thick, add a tablespoon of thinner. This requires a bit of time; adding thinner and/or pigment until the desired consistency and color is achieved.
Use your colored wax to create an “aged” patina, or use a brightly colored wax as a statement piece.
Selecting the Right Type of Wax
What type of wax is right for you? Read on to find out.
Working on restoring furniture?
Try Myland’s Wax, a formula consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, and shellac that’s ideal for restoring furniture. This furniture wax comes in a variety of tints including brown antiquing wax, clear, mahogany, and pine which adds a subtle luster.
If you’re looking for a furniture sealant:
Try Clear Carnauba wax. This sealant creates a high sheen look and can be applied to any painted furniture, including outdoor patio furniture.
Or, try Zero VOC Wax. It creates a lasting finish that won’t be removed with cleaning products.
Working on a project with a variety of materials and finishes?
Try Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax, a versatile product that can be used as a wood finish or over concrete, soapstone and slate.
Working on a rustic wood project?
Try Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax. This wax and oil combination soaks in well to raw wood. It dries, seals and protects. The best part is that it is food contact safe
If you’d like more information about how to make your milk paint makeover stand out from the crowd contact us today.
FAQs
Not only does wax provide a protective sheen over your project, you can also tint wax to add some creative flair. Using a clear wax for your DIY project such as carnauba wax paste, select a dry, powdered pigment from the Real Milk Paint® color chart.
What is the purpose of wax on wood? ›
It protects against bumps and spills, helping your wood stay healthy for longer. It also forms a barrier against dust, making cleaning easy. Wax is straightforward to apply, it often comes in liquid form, and you apply just like you would paint.
What is the best finish over milk paint? ›
Oil Wax will dry to a smooth, hard satin finish that offers tons of protection, and only needs to be applied once; there is no need to reapply over time. Like all oils, Oil Wax should be used over porous finishes such as milk paint or unfinished wood, so is great for tabletops to furniture and everything in between.
What are the disadvantages of wax on wood? ›
The wax is easily worn off, is easily damaged by high heat (such as a cup of tea), provides very little protection to water vapor, and requires re-application every year or so. Because of these limitations, wax is almost never used as a primary finish but is instead used to complement other finishes.
Why would you use wax instead of varnish on wood? ›
Wax provides a velvety matte finish, which means it's great at hiding imperfections and brushstrokes. While wax can be buffed to a soft sheen, it's going to remain pretty matte and is best for projects where you're looking for a more natural, hand-painted look.
What happens if you dont wax chalk paint? ›
Yes, you do have to Wax your furniture. If you don't, it'll get marked. Water could damage the Chalk Paint™. It could be scratched or otherwise compromised if left unprotected.
Can you use antiquing wax over regular paint? ›
You can apply Antiquing Wax directly to your painted furniture, or if you want a more subtle effect that's easier to blend and manipulate, apply a coat of Clear Wax first.
Does wax make paint last longer? ›
Whether you wax your car or not, it's constantly exposed to rain, UV rays, dirt, flying debris and the occasional mishap on the road. Without car wax, even with regular car washes, your vehicle's paint will show age a lot faster than without that nifty layer of protection.
Does milk paint need wax? ›
Is wax absolutely necessary to completing your milk paint project? Not really, but when you use wax with milk paint does add a nice durable finish and tough coat to your piece while adding luster and sheen.
How do you get a smooth finish with milk paint? ›
Tips on achieving a smooth milk paint finish
After your paint is dry, smooth out the finish with a fine grit sanding paper or block (we recommend 220 or higher). This will give your piece a smooth finish ready for hemp oil or one of our finishing waxes. Applying the top coat will add to the smooth feel of the finish.
Let the paint dry 2 to 4 hours between each coat. Also, sand or buff between coats of applying milk paint using 320 to 400 grit sandpaper, scotch brite works great here. Note: sanding is not needed for adhesion, only for smoothness. Once you're done sanding, remove the dust with a rag or tack cloth.
Do you put a sealer over milk paint? ›
Milk Paint is durable enough to stand up to low or medium wear without top coat. If increased sheen or maximum durability for high use areas (cabinets, table tops) is required, GF recommends applying 2-3 coats of GF's High Performance or Enduro top coats after the Milk Paint is dry [1-2 hours].
What is so special about milk paint? ›
It is 100% biodegradable, contains zero VOC's, and was actually the first paint to be awarded the USDA's Biobased label. Thibeau developed his formula in a powder form, allowing the user to simply mix water to the powder just before use - as easy as making chocolate milk.
How long do you leave wax on wood? ›
Most furniture waxes dry within minutes, but you might be advised to wait up to 30 minutes for the wax to dry. The wax will turn from shiny to dull as it dries. It might take longer for the wax to dry if you're in a cold or poorly ventilated space.
Is it better to wax or stain wood? ›
We recommend waxing especially for decorative purposes, to embellish a wooden piece of furniture while providing it with a certain degree of protection. For high protection (in damp rooms such as kitchens or bathrooms), we recommend that you choose a varnish.
Is it better to oil or wax wood? ›
Your goal with your wood project decides whether you want to use wax or linseed oil. Wax only stops the wood from graying. Linseed oil adds to the wood's beauty. Wax doesn't penetrate the wood, but linseed oil does, offering enhanced wood protection.
How long does wax last on wood? ›
Wax finish is a traditional finishing material. It does not give a lot of protection for the substrate underneath. It will give a smooth surface, and can reduce the scratches possibility but it cannot stay for a long time. After about a year the wax will be gone, and wax needs to be applied to the surface again.
Once you’ve found a milk paint color you love and paint your project, don’t forget the finishing step — applying a topcoat of wax. Is wax absolutely necessary to completing your milk paint project? Not really, but when you use wax with milk paint does add a nice durable finish and tough coat to your piece while adding luster and sheen.