When I did it with the kids I used the chemical equations on the board for
the components of milk proteins, acids and chalk... wrote the equation and
then the drawings balanced the equation.... couldn't find the notation I
used but thought you might be interested in this -
Early American Colonists and Shakers painted their furniture and interiors
with Milk Paint using a formula that dated back to Ancient Egypt. Up until
the middle 1800's paint was not sold commercially. People made their own.
The most common recipe contained milk protein, quicklime and earth pigments.
Because of the unique durability of Milk Paint, many fine examples still
exist that are hundreds of years old and whose finish is just as true as the
day the paint was applied.
What is milk paint?
Before commercially prepared paint was available, paint was made at home
based on formulas handed down from generation to generation. Milk paint was
made from old curdled milk or cottage cheese, lime and earth pigment for
color.
1870 Milk Paint Formula
* 1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
* 1 Once of hydrated lime by weight
(Available at building centers. Do not use quick lime, as it will react with
the water and heat up. Hydrated lime has been soaked in water then dried.)
* 1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.
Stir in enough skim milk to hydrated lime to make a cream. Add balance of
skim milk. Now add sufficient amount of powder pigment to desired color and
consistency (Pigment powder must be limeproof). Stir in well for a few
minutes before using. For best results continue to stir throughout use.
Apply milk paint with a cheap natural bristle brush. Allow project to dry
sufficiently before applying next coat. Extra paint may be kept for several
days in the refrigerator, until the milk sours. Double or triple the recipe
for paint. Allow to dry thoroughly 3-4 hours before use. For extra
protection, give paint a coat of oil finish or sealer. Color may change -
test in inconspicuous area.
