{"product_id":"unpigmented","title":"Unpigmented","description":"\u003ch1\u003eHow to Use Unpigmented Milk Paint\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnpigmented milk paint is a versatile, natural powder you mix and tint yourself. It bonds exceptionally well to porous surfaces and can be customized with pigments to create beautiful, matte finishes on furniture, cabinets, walls, and decorative projects. Here's a complete, step-by-step guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1. Mixing the Base\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombine the unpigmented milk paint powder with warm or room-temperature water at roughly equal parts by volume (1 part powder to 1 part water) for a standard consistency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjust as needed:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMore water\u003c\/strong\u003e → a thinner wash, stain, or translucent effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLess water\u003c\/strong\u003e → a thicker, more textured paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMixing technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start by making a smooth paste with a small amount of water to avoid lumps, then gradually add the rest and stir thoroughly. Let the mixture rest for a minute or two before adding pigment (see methods below).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed paint stores well for days to weeks in an airtight container. Stir well before each use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2. Adding Pigments\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse lime-proof pigments — most earth pigments, oxides, and natural mineral pigments work well — since the lime in the formula can cause some colors to fade over time. Always test a small batch first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended starting ratios\u003c\/strong\u003e (measure by weight for best consistency, ideally with a small scale):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry mix method\u003c\/strong\u003e (best for small batches): roughly 1 part pigment to 9–10 parts paint powder by volume — about 10–15% pigment for oxides and primaries, or 15–20% for natural earths, ochres, and French minerals (relative to the dry base powder weight).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWet mixing \/ slaking\u003c\/strong\u003e (better for larger batches or pigments like Titanium White): pre-mix the pigment with an equal amount of water into a smooth, lump-free paste, then stir it into the prepared milk paint base. Let it rest and mix well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteps:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor small tests, shake pigment and dry base powder together vigorously in a sealed container to disperse evenly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd water to the combined dry mix (roughly 1:1, or slightly more).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperiment with different pigment amounts and color combinations — you can go up to 20–40% pigment before the mixture starts to break down, but test thoroughly as you go.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't overuse pigment — too much can weaken the binder, cause powdering, or make the paint too thick and brittle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor strong whites or blacks, buy pre-pigmented versions from the manufacturer rather than tinting heavily yourself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTo lighten a color, mix your tinted base with white milk paint rather than simply reducing pigment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe base needs \u003cem\u003esome\u003c\/em\u003e pigment to stay stable — too little can make it brittle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarter tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Begin with just a few grams of pigment per test batch. Powdered pigments are available at art stores and online; water-soluble universal tinting colors can also work. Always test on a sample patch before committing to a full piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3. Application\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply with a brush or roller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoats needed:\u003c\/strong\u003e usually 1–2. Thinner mixes often need 2 coats; thicker mixes may need only 1.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdhesion:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBonds extremely well to porous substrates — it almost \"cements\" on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso works well on non-porous or low-sheen previously finished surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor high-sheen or shiny surfaces: clean thoroughly, then apply one coat of Ultra Grip (dries clear) or a Fusion Mineral Paint color. Apply the milk paint the next day — it will adhere very well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e4. Finishing \u0026amp; Sealing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilk paint is naturally porous, so sealing is recommended for durability, water resistance, and easier cleaning — especially on furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended sealers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurniture wax\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHemp oil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTung oil (for exterior use)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStand oil or similar (sometimes labeled \"SFO\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistressed \/ chippy effect (optional):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply a small amount of Homestead House Salad Bowl Finish or Fusion Beeswax Finish (both fairly oily) to selected areas first — this acts as a resist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce dry, apply your milk paint over top. The treated areas will naturally chip and crackle for an aged, distressed look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSealer notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest sealers on a small area first, since they can affect the final color depending on the pigments used.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater-based sealers tend to mute colors more than oil- or wax-based ones — experiment to find your preferred look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e5. Coverage \u0026amp; Final Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoverage varies with mixing thickness, pigment load, application technique, surface, and number of coats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a rough guide, a 330 g bag typically covers about 100 sq ft when mixed at standard consistency. Heavily pigmented colors (e.g., Belle Fleur, Montclair, Beret) may cover slightly less due to higher pigment content.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways test on a sample board first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral advice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilk paint works well for furniture, cabinets, walls, and décor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways seal furniture that will be cleaned regularly, used for food or drinks, or placed near a water source.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStick to the standard 1:1 powder-to-water ratio (including pigment) as your baseline — more water gives a wash-like stain, less gives a textured paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperimentation is key. Small test batches will save you time and give the best results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis process gives you full creative control over color while preserving the authentic, beautiful qualities of traditional milk paint. Enjoy your project — and if you have questions about specific pigments or surfaces, just ask.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FUSION MINERAL PAINT","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":45378155053232,"sku":"896","price":6.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"330g","offer_id":45378155086000,"sku":"897","price":27.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.7 kg","offer_id":45378155118768,"sku":"899","price":164.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4.5 kg","offer_id":45378155151536,"sku":"900","price":259.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0315\/1088\/8507\/files\/HHMP50gCAN-Unpigmented_1.jpg?v=1782135053","url":"https:\/\/shop.fusionmineralpaint.ca\/products\/unpigmented","provider":"FUSION MINERAL PAINT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}