Milk Paint Vs Chalk Paint For Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to kitchen cabinet painting, two paint types that have become increasingly popular are milk paint and chalk paint. Both milk paint and chalk paint offer a unique look and feel that can transform your kitchen cabinets from drab to fab. In this article, we'll explore the differences between milk paint and chalk paint, and help you decide which one is best for your kitchen cabinets.
What is Milk Paint?
Milk paint is a traditional paint that has been used for centuries. It's made from milk protein (casein), lime, and pigments. Milk paint is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it a great choice for families with children and pets. Milk paint dries to a flat, matte finish and has a slightly chalky texture.
One of the benefits of milk paint is that it's porous, which means it can absorb stain and glaze easily. This makes it a great choice if you want to create a distressed or antique look on your kitchen cabinets. Milk paint is also easy to touch up if it gets chipped or scratched.
What is Chalk Paint?
Chalk paint is a type of paint that was developed by Annie Sloan in the 1990s. It's made from a mixture of paint, plaster of Paris, and water. The name "chalk paint" comes from the fact that it has a chalky texture when it dries. Chalk paint is also environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
One of the benefits of chalk paint is that it requires very little preparation before painting. You don't need to sand or prime your kitchen cabinets beforehand, which can save you a lot of time and effort. Chalk paint also dries quickly and can be easily distressed or waxed for a unique finish.
Milk Paint Vs Chalk Paint: Which is Better for Kitchen Cabinets?
Both milk paint and chalk paint have their pros and cons when it comes to painting kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the main differences:
Finish
Milk paint dries to a flat, matte finish, while chalk paint has a slightly more textured, chalky finish. If you want a more polished look, milk paint may be the better choice. If you want a more rustic or shabby chic look, chalk paint may be the better choice.
Preparation
Milk paint requires more preparation than chalk paint. You need to clean and sand your kitchen cabinets before painting with milk paint. Chalk paint, on the other hand, requires very little preparation.
Application
Milk paint is thinner than chalk paint, which means it can be a bit more difficult to apply evenly. Chalk paint is thicker, which makes it easier to apply evenly without leaving brush strokes.
Durability
Milk paint is very durable and can last for years without chipping or peeling. Chalk paint is also durable, but it may require a coat of wax or sealant to protect it from wear and tear.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between milk paint and chalk paint for your kitchen cabinets, it really comes down to personal preference. Milk paint is a great choice if you want a more polished, traditional look, while chalk paint is perfect for creating a more rustic or shabby chic look. Both types of paint are environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making them safe for your family and pets. So, choose the paint that speaks to you and have fun transforming your kitchen cabinets!