Homemade Milk Paint
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 1-4:30pm
Milk paint is a traditional finish that is the oldest known form of paint! When made from fresh casein, it has a long list of benefits:
-Safe to use
-Contains zero plastics and generates no harmful fumes or waste
-Very economic, when compared to commercial paints
-Has infinite color possibilities via blending of various pigments
-Extremely durable and hard wearing
-Develops a patina over time, making it excellent for furniture
In this class, students will learn how to make their own paint from scratch, using common ingredients found in the grocery store (as well discussing alternatives). In addition to learning how to make the paint, we will cover the necessary surface prep, how to diagnose potential issues, and how to use both synthetic and natural pigments.
Students will leave with half a pint of fresh milk paint and enough pigment and lime to make another half pint at home. Students are highly encouraged to bring any small object they might want to paint as well.
Tuition: $85 per participant
Materials Fee: Material fee of $15 covers a mason jar, 30g of lime, 30g of pigment (I'll have many to choose from), and 125g of quark (pre-made) per student. Half of the lime and pigment will be used in class to make a half pint of paint. The remaining lime and pigment will be sent home with the student to make another half pint.
What to bring: Optional: Eye protection and a dust mask
Age / Ability Level: 18, beginner friendly.
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Students will need full use of their hands to safely measure out ingredients and paint.
CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive learning community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to participate. As we launch our first workshop series, we are dedicating space in each class for reduced-tuition scholarships to support anyone facing financial barriers. As we build a more robust scholarship program, we hope this initial launch will remove barriers and expand access to hands-on learning for all.
Anyone with financial need is encouraged to apply for a half-tuition scholarship. To be considered, please submit a brief online application. Please note that CENTER FOR PEOPLE AND CRAFT is operating with limited financial resources and an entirely volunteer staff. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a spot for every applicant. Each class has one scholarship slot available. Applicants who are not selected in this current round are welcome to reapply. Apply here
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CPC is able to provide refunds up to two weeks before the start date of the class for which the registration was submitted, though we do retain a $20 fee for return payment processing. If you need to cancel your class within the two week window, a refund is not guaranteed, but will be considered based on several factors.
If CPC needs to cancel a class due to low enrollment, teacher illness, or other factors, you will receive a full refund. Read our full set of policies.
meet your instructor: Jonathon Hammack
I'm a furniture and chair maker that focuses on vernacular pieces and designs rooted in artisan geometry. I primarily use hand tools alongside traditional joinery and finishes in my work. My family recently moved to Minnesota and I’m excited to continue teaching and sharing my love of the craft here.