When I see someone who doesn’t know what color to paint something, they almost always default to white. It’s neutral. It’s easy.
Right?
I will admit that it is hard to go wrong with white. I love white and mix a lot of different whites in my home. All three of the whites from the MMS Milk Paint line are represented.
Ironstone on the dining table base and chairs…
Linen on the jelly cupboard…
…and Grain Sack on the 1800’s marble-topped dresser and Gustavian sofa frame to point out a few.
So, I’m a fan.
But, white is actually one of the hardest colors to paint with.
It doesn’t matter what kind of paint it is, white just doesn’t cover as well and almost always requires more coats. This is especially true with milk paint, since it’s thinner than modern paints.
Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years when it comes to working with white paint…
If it’s your first time painting ever, I would suggest starting with a white that is slightly off white. That little bit of color can make a big difference in coverage and ease of use. In the MMSMP line, I would suggest Grain Sack, which has gray undertones or Marzipan, which has warm almond undertones.
Another option… If you want better coverage, but a bright white finish, paint the first coat with an off white or even a mid-tone gray, yellow, green, pale pink or blue and then finish with a bright white. You’ll find that a base coat of a pale color with help the white cover better, with fewer coats.
If you’re using a liquid paint, like latex, oil, enamel, acrylic, chalk-type, etc, I would suggest using a primer under white. It’s not so much for adhesion, but for better coverage. It’s not always necessary, but if you’re changing a piece from dark wood or red paint to white, it’ll save you some time and money.
I’ve said it a lot, but use a good brush, roller or applicator pad. It doesn’t seem like it would make much of a difference, but you will get better coverage and less streaks with quality tools.
If you are working with milk paint, mix it a little bit thicker than other colors and let it sit a little longer before use (30 minutes or so), to allow the limestone to fully absorb the water. You’ll end up with a smoother finish and fewer coats.
Lastly, since you know you might be in for more coats, make sure you buy a little more paint than you think you need. You’ll be glad you did, so you don’t run out mid-project!
And, speaking of whites, I just developed a yummy new white for the MMSMP line. I’m hoping to launch it in January along with a couple other colors. More on that soon…
Thanks to everyone for your prayers for safe travel. We are comfortably situated in the Chapel Loft, ready to set up our space for the market tomorrow.
19 Responses
Great tips on painting with white paint! Have a great sale at the Chapel Market!!! ?
Such a useful post. Hope The Chapel Market goes well.
The Other Marian
Great post. These tips will definitely come in handy because I always plan to paint things white. It is a “safe” color.
I love having a variety of whites to choose from. Great info for those that can get frustrated painting with white. I enjoy using it as it is a great neutral and reflects the light, which I need in winter. I look forward to trying the new white coming out soon!
Painting with white can be a little intimidating when you consider the sheer volume of colors in the white spectrum to choose from. It’s easy to make a misstep if the undertones aren’t right, and I’ve done it myself before. Ditto on using more coats for better coverage! I had to use several coats of both primer and chalk paint recently to cover up fluorescent lime green on a vintage dresser, but it was well worth it. No more fluorescent green paint showing through!
Thanks for sharing your tips on choosing whites, Marian! Anxious to see your next new shade of white chalk paint!
Mary
Cottage B at Home ~ Vintage Country Living
Great tips on whites. I always think my whites have to match but I find over and over again I am drawn to rooms that mix a variety of whites together.
Thanks these are great tips and i do love my whites.
White is definitely my go to color…along with gray. Great tips on getting the perfect finish! I look forward to trying your paint for a first time very soon 🙂 Liz http://www.4evermysweetpea.com
Very timely since I am about to paint my mothers old dining room table. Thank you!
Your information today came at just the right time for me. I will be painting in white and am learning that all whites are not alike. Especially helpful to me today is your mentioning using a pale shade of color before the white. That is exactly what I will do and then when I distress it some of the color should show through. Wonderful suggestion!
Someday when I “grow up” I hope to be like you – business-wise. I’m 67 and couldn’t handle a family, husband, and the business! Kudos to you.
I totally agree about white. You only have to go to the paint store and look at the paint chips when you ask for white. Some have blue undertones and some yellow and some pink. It’s only when you have different white’s next to one another that the difference is apparent. Thanks for the tips on the base coat. I’ve painted with your ironstone and grain sack and I have to say for me, ironstone is my favorite white. Wish I was at your market….
All good tips based on my experience with latex and oil based paints!
Any chance of posting a photo of your whites [on the same wood] next to each other? I find that kind of thing quite helpful.
Good luck tomorrow and am looking forward to your photos of your booth and all the others! Love that!
Here’s a post showing the color comparison side-by-side… http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/the-difference-in-colors/
Fantastic post. Sharing!
Oooooooooo….new colours???!!!
I’m drooling already!!!
Dear sweet lady,
I’ve never written a comment on any blog before, but I want you to know that I appreciate you. I taught for 35 years, so I like to think that I had to learn a bit about people– the good, bad, and ugly in all of us.
When I read your blog, I always finish with something positive– whether it’s information or inspiration. You’re a lovely spirit, and I thank you for sharing yourself with us!
I agree- you can’t go wrong with white! Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!
I love white! But I sometimes find it very hard to find the perfect white you have in mind… I had to mix two colours to get the white I wanted for my dining nook walls… The first one was too much of an off white and in an old cottage with small windows, it just looked muddy. I love the name “marzipan”… I wonder if I could help myself eating my furniture after painting it with a paint that has such a yummy name!
Great tips!! Some I never even thought off, I am obsessed with white everything right now, and love white rooms with pops of color. You can really play with white a lot and its so flexible but your right that it’s hard to paint with. Ill keep these tips in mind for next time!!
Thanks Marianne
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
xx
Oh man! I wish I had read this a few hours ago. I did just did my first piece with your paint and used ironstone. I was getting really frustrated though I knew it was probably because I was putting white over a dark color. I should have let the paint sit longer. It looks great now, but man I used a whole bag on a changing table!
I will definitely be trying some more!