Super Smooth Milk Paint Finish

Here’s how to get a super smooth Milk Paint finish! Make brushstrokes ancient history! For this sideboard makeover, we’re going to show off its sleek lines using “Sea Glass” Milk Paint by Fusion.

Here’s what you’re going to need to make this project work:

Get a Smooth Finish in 3 easy steps!

Step 1. Clean your piece and remove any dust, wax or flaking paint. Give your piece a light sanding to smooth and even your surface prior to painting.

Step 2. If you have a shiny, glossy finish, use the Bonding Agent to ensure even adhesion.

Step 3. If the surface is flat and porous, new bare wood or a dull, old finish, simply apply the paint straight onto it. Apply as many coats as desired and when satisfied with your coverage apply a top coat of your desire. Prior to applying your top coat, use 400 grit to lightly sand your finish for a super smooth silk feel!

Sideboard upcycled for a super smooth milk paint finish

Here are the steps we took for this sideboard.

Step 1. Clean & Scuff Sand Step.

Always start by cleaning your surface thoroughly with TSP Alternative mixed with water.

Then give your piece a scuff sand, remove any imperfections and ensure a smooth surface for application.

scruff sand to prepare for a super smooth milk paint finish

It’s time to get mixing up your Milk Paint! Mix “Sea Glass” Fusion Milk Paint Powder with equal parts water. Since we were mixing up a really big batch, I mixed the Milk Paint and water in a large bowl before transferring the mixed paint to an empty paint can I had laying around.

Ever notice how the milk paint powder is a different colour once you add the water to it, it totally transforms. This is normal! Don’t worry the true colour will come to life when you add your top coat in the final step.

Step 2. Get Mixing & add bonding agent if necessary for adhesion

Since we wanted to give this piece a sleek modern look and to assure full adherence with no chipping, we added Fusion Ultra Grip Bonding Agent to the mixed paint. Because this piece is still a bit shiny in areas it is possible there could be some chipping, so adding the bonding agent will 100% assure zero chipping occurs.

mixing ultra grip with milk paint mixture

We applied two coats of paint. You can see in the images the difference between one coat and two coats.

Step 3. Add your top coat!

After the paint dried, we sanded over the paint lightly to smoothen any bumps and then applied Fusion Hemp Oil as a topcoat with a chip brush to create a super smooth milk paint finish. After applying the Hemp Oil, if there is any oil that was not absorbed, you can wipe off the excess with a lint-free cloth within the first 12-24 hours. You will most likely only need 1-2 coats of Hemp Oil.