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Home » How to Best Paint Furniture with Milk Paint

January 20, 2022

How to Best Paint Furniture with Milk Paint

I recently decided I wanted a chest of drawers to paint. I need it for an upcoming “She Room” I am putting together. You know how it is when you “need” something. Today, I am going to show you how to best paint furniture with milk paint.

A Great Find

I put the word out to all my gal pals and asked that they be on the lookout, just in case they were at any upcoming estate sales or maybe had a piece they were letting go.

And you know what happened??

Literally, an hour later, my friend messaged me and said she was at an estate sale of an old family friend and found something she thought I could use. She sent me a picture and guess what?

It was perfect!

It had the right amount of drawers and the shape was exactly what I had envisioned.

My gal pal was nice enough to pay for it and Mr. Mitten and I picked it up the following day.

I had a specific color picked out in my head. I wanted a beautiful soft pink. Thanks to Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint, they sent me the perfect shade of pink. It’s called Arabesque.

Isn’t it beautiful?

Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

Step By Step

Below is the step by step process I used to complete the look of the dresser.

1.) First, I pulled out the drawers and removed the hardware. I put the handles in a bucket of hot soapy water and used an old toothbrush to scrub them. I then rinsed and put them on a towel to dry.

2.) Before I started painting, I needed to prep it. I washed down the chest of drawers with some Simple Green. I always use this before I paint my furniture pieces.

3.) As you can see by the picture, the chest of drawers was a dark olive green. I ended up priming the furniture because I didn’t want that dark green to bleed through. I used primer that I had on hand and let that dry for a few days before I started to paint with the milk paint.

4.) If you have never used Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint, I am here to tell you, it is amazing!! The paint comes in a resealable bag and is in powder form. You mix one part paint to one part water. I used a small whisk to mix mine.

So easy, right?!

I used a natural bristle brush. It was inexpensive and perfect for this type of paint. I painted one coat on the drawer fronts and chest, letting it dry overnight, before I applied the second coat.

5.) Once the paint dried, I used Miss Mustard Seed’s hemp oil to seal it. Let me tell you, it’s a great alternative to using wax, and I loved it. I also used the natural bristle brush to apply it. You do need to wipe it down after applying. Allow the furniture to sit overnight and let the oil soak in. By the next day, you can visibly see where the oil needs to be rubbed in better. Taking a dry soft cloth I worked the oil in and then I repeated the process.

Updated Hardware & A Pretty Lining

6.) I wasn’t happy with the original color of the hardware. It was dark and I felt the piece needed something soft. I used Krylon’s metallic gold leaf spray paint and the results were perfect! I always make sure I spray paint out in the garage or better yet, outside.

6.) My last step was to add some shelf liner to the drawers. Once that was in place my DIY was complete! An inexpensive project that will be perfect for my “She Room”.

Speaking of the “She Room”, I promise to blog about it when it is complete.

If you have never painted furniture, I hope this step by step encourages you to do so. If you have, I hope I have inspired you to try Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint, if you haven’t already! It is such a fun product to work with.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

Posted In: Blog

Comments

  1. Donna Nance says

    August 14, 2021 at 12:23 am

    Beautiful transformation! Love the hardware, it is perfect for the piece.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      August 14, 2021 at 12:48 am

      It has been my favorite painted piece, to date! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  2. Tammy says

    January 20, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    Kim, I love what you did with this dresser. She turned out so beautiful and looks perfect in your She Room. Just love the color choice.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:51 am

      Thanks so much, Tammy! It was such a fun project and I just loved the outcome.

      Reply
  3. Traci Goure says

    January 20, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    Such a fabulous transformation. I would love to try some Miss Mustard Seed milk paint. It looks so soft and creamy.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:49 am

      Thanks!! You know I just loved using that paint!

      Reply
  4. Jayne @ Chalking Up Success says

    January 20, 2022 at 4:43 pm

    So pretty, Kim! I love a good makeover and this one looks great in your She room!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 21, 2022 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks so much, Jayne!

      Reply
  5. Renae says

    January 20, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    This dresser is stunning! What a great transformation. I would love to find a dresser like that. Hugs to you.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:50 am

      It sure was a great find. Keep looking, Renae. Something will turn up!

      Reply
  6. Carol Karl says

    January 20, 2022 at 7:35 pm

    This is an amazing makeover. I love the colour.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:47 am

      Thank you, Carol! One of my favorites. Hope you are doing well!

      Reply
      • Cassandra Kettenhofen says

        March 23, 2022 at 5:35 am

        How did you avoid leaving brush streaks? I have a dresser, that is crying for an update, but the thought of brush marks, has been a huge deterrent, for a long time! However, I believe that your dresser transformation, is exactly what I needed, at exactly the right time! I just don’t trust myself to paint furniture… lol

        Reply
        • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

          March 29, 2022 at 11:53 pm

          Once the paint dries you don’t really notice any brush strokes. I hope you try painting a piece. You will love it!

          Reply
  7. Stacey says

    January 20, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Love the rose gold so much! It turned out beautifully!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:46 am

      Thanks Stacy!

      Reply
  8. Melba / Cocoon Raw says

    January 20, 2022 at 10:49 pm

    Beautiful Transformation! I see this on my future garden room. I am dreaming. One day! LOL!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 25, 2022 at 2:46 am

      I hope you get that garden room! I know it would be beautiful!

      Reply
  9. Paula@SweetPea says

    January 20, 2022 at 11:31 pm

    You did an amazing job giving this dresser a makeover. The end result is gorgeous.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 21, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you, Paula! It’s one of my favorite makeovers to date!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer Howard says

    January 21, 2022 at 12:31 am

    It’s so pretty! Really good post Kim!!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 21, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Jennifer!!

      Reply
  11. Cindy Rust says

    January 21, 2022 at 11:48 am

    This is one of my favorite milk paint colors and it looks perfect on this feminine dresser! Your room will look amazing and I’m excited to see it Kim! Pinning😊

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 21, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you, Cindy! You’re always so kind!

      Reply
  12. Danielle says

    January 21, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    I just love this pink! I have a package of Miss Mustard Seed that I need to try!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 21, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      It’s such a great product! You’ll love it!

      Reply
  13. Lynne Zemaitis says

    January 27, 2022 at 12:56 am

    I have never used milk paint, but you have inspired me! I love the color and this beautiful transformation!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 28, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Thank you, Lynne! You’ll have to try it and let me know.

      Reply
  14. Jen says

    January 29, 2022 at 3:30 am

    Oh, Kim. It’s gorgeous! I love the pretty curves and details of the dresser. And the pink color and new hardware were the perfect choice.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      January 29, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      Thank you so much, Jen! It really was a special pieces to do!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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About Me


Hi! I’m Kim!

Welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten! I am a native Michigander. I am a wife, mom and mimi. I love DIY, home decor, all things pretty, community with others, and sewing. I make blankets for a cause, hoping to help find a cure for brain tumors. I hope you love my site and pray it inspires you.

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