MILK PAINT

Milk paint is made from casein, and has been in use for the centuries before modern oil paints were available. It is an extremely durable finish, and usually only requires conservation, infilling of worn surfaces by  an artist. Milk paint often has an alligatored or checked surface, and new milk paint can be applied to have the same distressed look .

Milk paint was readily created and frequently used in rural areas, from milk and the addition of stable pigments.  Although it easily water-spots, it is extremely difficult to remove, and is much more durable subjected to other solvents or strippers than are modern finishes, such as nitrocellulose lacqeur, varnishes, or oil or latex paint.

Milk paint has a dull to satin gloss level, which could be enhanced by overcoating with wax or shellac. 

Conservation of milk paint finishes is relatively difficult compared to modern pigmented finishes.  The color intensity and dull finish are challenging to match.  The pigments are not as readily available as they once were.

Below is a typical Pennsylvania German Dowery Chest, that a wife would bring into the marriage. Note the name and date originally painted on the chest by the bride:

Pennsylvania German settlers had a long history of paint decoration of furniture, to apply culturally important decoration, and often to enhance inexpensive use of woods, to resemble more costly imported woods not available in rural areas.

Pickups & Delivery by our truck throughout metropolitan NY, NJ, PA, and CT-

Pickups of entire assembled Eames Lounge Chair may be inexpensively arranged throughout the Midwest and Eastern US, from Texas to Chicago, Florida to Boston

We arrange pickup and delivery promptly throughout metropolitan NY, including NY and NYC, NJ, PA, and  at CT at modest cost.  We can arrange for pickup and delivery of furniture throughout the United States east of the Mississippi, as well as all of Louisiana and eastern Texas with a recommended common carrier, TSC Moving (Hallandale, FL),   They are very reliable, and surprisingly economical for long-distance moves. Fine furniture deserves the best care, and is worth the trip.