How to Create an Aged Milk Paint Patina on Furniture

This easy process mimics the dings and scrapes you’d see on a painted wood piece after decades of wear and tear. It’s ideal for unvarnished wood furniture with interesting details, like the dresser at left.

Step 1

Wax On

Run solid beeswax along the corners, edges, and details that would naturally show signs of wear, to keep paint from adhering to those spots.

Step 2

Paint the Base Layer

Mix powdered milk paint with water, and let sit for 10 minutes or until the pigment dissolves. Only mix what you need—it contains a natural protein that will sour after a few days; apply with a chip brush.

Step 3

Scrape the Paint

When 90 percent dry, run a paint scraper over spots that would typically wear.

Step 4

Use Tape to Remove Paint

Lay down painter’s tape on flat surfaces, then carefully pull it up to remove some of the paint.

Step 5

Seal With Wax

With a round wax brush, apply finishing wax in a circular motion, about 1 square foot at a time, wiping away any excess with a rag as you go.