Part 1: Bedroom Make Over using Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Several months ago I posted a picture of a two drawer chest that I was going to paint but as I cleaned it, I had second thoughts. It had good bones and I liked it a lot! I decided to keep it in my foyer and opted not to paint it. 
Well now that several months have past and I saw a Pinterest post on a bedroom that I really liked, I've decided to paint it. I am a big fan of Pottery Barn bed linens and over the years I've bought plenty. The comforter shown in the pin looked very familiar. I had bought that same comforter many years ago and never really liked it. But I loved the way it looked in this picture and started thinking I may drag it out and try it again! 
My youngest daughter has always wanted the beautiful antique bed in my guest bedroom. Since she is getting married and will have a house of her own soon it will be hers and so the changes begin.
I will post "before" pictures of the room and I invite you to see "after" pictures of the room make-over as I complete this home project. 
If you follow my blog you know my favorite color is red and so there will be a little red mixed in with some blue. I will be using Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint for the chest. Take a look at the room that will be my inspiration and the chest that will be the bedside table. More pictures to come....

Two Drawer Chest will be my bedside table.

My room inspiration for the make-over!

How to Mix Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Today I am posting several different options for mixing Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint. After experimenting with the mixing you can decide which method is best for you. These instructions can also be found on our website www.freshjaspertexas.com under "paint instructions". 

How to Mix Milk Paint:
For solid/opaque coverage: mix 1 part water and 1 part paint
For wash/stain coverage: mix 3 parts water and 1 part paint

Different Ways to Mix Milk Paint:
Blender:  Add water first then paint;mix on low for 1-3 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes to let the pigments and raw materials dissolve.
Pros: Will create a consistent smooth finish; easy to mix and easy to adjust for best consistency.
Cons:  Dedicating a paint mixing blender only, wash immediately. Dried paint can be hard to wash out. 

Mini electric mixer: Add water first, and then add paint. Place mixer directly to the bottom of the container and apply pressure, turn it on and pulse 5-6 times.
Pros:  Fast and easy to mix small batches, typically provides a nice consistency to work with.
Cons:  May over "froth" and have a thinner consistency with air bubbles. If this happens, skim the top and set aside until paint has time to settle. Do not continue to mix.

Mini Whisk:
Pros:  Easy for mixing small batches, ensures minimal clumps, and provides an excellent consistency.
Cons:  May be time consuming and labor intensive.

Shaking in a jar:
Pros:  Easy and convenient way to mix.
Cons:  May easily create clumps, paint will stick to the sides. 

No matter which way you mix, be sure to look for:

Consistency of coverage - Be sure to test. Too thick?  Add more water. Too thin? Add more paint.
No Clumps - When mixed properly clumps should not exist. If there are a lot of clumps, spend more time mixing thoroughly.
No Streaks -Sometimes if the paint is mixed quickly and not thoroughly enough pigments may not have dissolved yet. Be sure to thoroughly mix to avoid this.

Stir frequently throughout your project as pigments will settle to the bottom of the container. Typically 1-2 coats are required. Allow 30-40 minutes between coats.