Natural Paints Put to the Test

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Although the color was rich and went on well, I found milk paint dull in luster with a coarse matte finish, an old-fashioned look you'd expect to see in an antique farmhouse. Furthermore, milk paint will seep into porous surfaces easily, which can result in splotchy, unevenly painted surfaces. It also requires sealing with a water-based acrylic clear finish (which contains ammonia) after application to prevent water spotting. In the end, I found the color too dark and, since I prefer more of a sheen to my walls, I chose against using milk paint. But it's still a good choice for decorative items like shelves, picture frames or furniture, especially if you like an antiqued look (paint $45.95/gal, clear coat $41.95/gal; www.milkpaint.com).

Overall, I was happy with the range of options for my new home, and each paint had its standout attributes. Given the similar price tags ($34 to $46 per gallon), the choice should be made based on what your needs are. If you're looking for pigments of any color, try AFM (with over 900 color choices) or Sherwin-Williams (which can custom tint). For odor-free paint (particularly useful if scents bring on headaches or respiratory problems), check out BioShield, while those seeking an antique look should try milk paint.

Although these prices may sound high, remember that your greatest expenses are for labor (your time is money, after all), not for the paint itself. Remember, too, to follow manufacturer advice in choosing roller naps and be sure to save unused paint in sealed cans for touchup later.

Lastly, since many of these paints are easily found online, request a catalogue or sample palette as colors on your screen can appear quite different from the actual hue. For more information on paints, check out our Paint Product Report

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