General Finishes Milk Paint is a water-based acrylic paint for furniture, cabinets, and millwork, mixed to a flat, low-luster sheen rather than the true flat of a wall paint. It's self-sealing, so on most projects you can skip a separate topcoat, though a wax or water-based topcoat adds extra durability on hard-use pieces.
Coverage runs about 100-125 sq ft per quart per coat, and most jobs take 2-3 coats — colors with less hiding power, such as bright reds and whites, may need an extra coat. It's dry to the touch in about 30 minutes and ready to recoat in 2 hours, with light use possible after 7-10 days and a full cure at 21 days. Clean up brushes and equipment with soap and water or General Finishes Brush & Gun Cleaner. It's rated for both interior and exterior use and is sold in pints, quarts, and gallons.
- Water-based acrylic paint, flat/low-luster sheen
- Coverage: about 100-125 sq ft per quart per coat
- Dry to touch in 30+ minutes; recoat in 2+ hours
- 2-3 coats standard; full cure in 21 days
- Self-sealing — topcoat optional
- Interior and exterior use
Specifications
| Type | Acrylic Paint |
|---|---|
| Base | Water |
| Interior / exterior | Interior/Exterior |
| Sheens | Flat low luster (10-15) |
| Color | Antique White, Basil, Coastal Blue, Dark Chocolate, Lamp Black, Linen, Perfect Gray, Persian Blue, Queenstown Gray, Seagull Gray, Snow White, Tuscan Red |
| Apply with | Brush, Roll, Spray, Pad |
| Spray tip | HVLP 1.8mm-2.0mm |
| Coats | 1+ coats |
| Dry to touch | 30+ minutes |
| Recoat after | 2+ hours |
| Light use after | 7-10 days |
| Full cure | 21 days |
| Coverage | 50-65 sq ft/pint, 100-125 sq ft/quart, 400-500 sq ft/gallon |
| Durability | High |
| Over an existing finish | Yes |
| VOC | <50 g/L Varies by color. See color-specific SDS for exact number. |
Questions & answers
Is this a true milk paint?
No. It is a premixed acrylic paint with no casein (milk protein). The name refers to the low-luster look of old-time paints.
Does it need a topcoat?
No. It is self-sealing and holds up to normal wear. For high-use surfaces such as cabinets and tabletops, or for more sheen, add 2-3 coats of High Performance or an Enduro topcoat.
Do I need a primer?
Usually not. Use a white stain-blocking primer such as General Finishes Stain Blocker when you paint a light color over dark wood or over woods that tend to bleed, such as pine or mahogany.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes. It is rated for exterior use, and a topcoat is not required.
Can I thin it?
Yes, with 5-10% distilled water. For more working time in hot, dry weather, add 10-15% General Finishes Extender. You do not need Floetrol or another flow additive.
Can I distress it?
Yes. Distress it by hand or with a sander while it is still fresh, within 2-3 hours of painting. The longer it cures the harder it is to sand, and it cannot be wet-distressed once dry.
Specifications from General Finishes.