General Finishes Milk Paint, Coastal Blue, Quart

$46.00 a quart. $5.99 shipping, free at $35+.

General Finishes Milk Paint in Coastal Blue, quart (GF item QCB, UPC 606016201075), is a premium low-VOC, self-sealing interior/exterior paint with a flat, low-luster sheen. GF calls it a go-to finish for cabinets and furniture, and it can be brushed, rolled or sprayed. This quart covers 100-125 sq ft per coat, per General Finishes.

Ship time: Orders usually ship in 2 to 4 business days, then standard delivery takes 3 to 7 business days, so plan on about 1 to 2 weeks. Free shipping at $35+ (lower 48 + DC); under $35, shipping is a flat $5.99. Shipping policy

Returns: 30-day returns on unused, unopened items; opened paint, aerosols and flammable liquids can't be returned (refund policy). If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right.

Specs (General Finishes product page, TDS and SDS)

How to apply (General Finishes directions)

1. Prep raw wood by sanding with 120 grit, then 150 grit; don't over-sand with finer grits. Clean existing finishes with a maroon synthetic pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water, dry 1-2 hours, then sand lightly with a 220-320 grit foam sponge or 400-grit paper. Remove all dust.
2. Primer is optional. Over a sealed surface, GF says darker colors such as Coastal Blue cover better over Enduro Deep Base primer. On tannin-rich raw wood such as oak, pine or mahogany, use 2 coats of GF Stain Blocker.
3. Stir well. Apply thin, even coats with a brush, roller, pad or HVLP sprayer. Thin with distilled water if needed.
4. Dry 2+ hours between coats in ideal conditions (70°F, 50% humidity). Sand between coats with a 220-320 grit foam sponge; don't use conventional steel wool.
5. Apply 2-3 coats. Add 2-3 coats of GF High Performance or Enduro topcoat only if you want more sheen or maximum durability on high-use surfaces.

Good to know

Humidity over 80%, thick coats, 3+ coats and other brands' finishes all lengthen dry time. If you layer GF water-based over oil-based products, let the oil dry 72+ hours first. Rushing dry time can cloud a topcoat.

Safety: the GF Milk Paint Coastal Blue SDS (revision dated 01-Dec-2023) carries the signal word Danger and the hazard statement "May cause cancer" (carcinogenicity category 1A). GF's California Proposition 65 notice for Coastal Blue lists crystalline silica (respirable powder), titanium dioxide and carbon black (respirable powder), known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wear NIOSH-approved respiratory and eye protection when spraying or sanding, and keep out of reach of children.

Related: Coastal Blue pint; topcoat for high-use pieces: GF High Performance Topcoat, Clear Satin, Quart; add an antique look with GF Glaze Effects. More: all GF Milk Paint colors, the GF Milk Paint color guide, and the cabinet painting project list.

Questions

Do I need a primer for Coastal Blue? A primer is not required for GF Milk Paint. For darker colors such as Coastal Blue over a sealed surface, General Finishes says priming with Enduro Deep Base primer improves coverage.

How much does a quart cover? General Finishes rates Milk Paint at 100-125 sq ft per quart per coat. Most projects take 2-3 coats.

Does Milk Paint need a topcoat? No. GF Milk Paint is self-sealing. For more sheen or maximum durability on cabinets and tabletops, GF recommends 2-3 coats of High Performance or Enduro topcoat.

Can I mix Coastal Blue with Snow White and keep the leftovers? Yes. General Finishes gives Snow White plus Coastal Blue Milk Paint as an example of a same-line mix that can be stored. Keep it sealed, and thin only with distilled water, since tap water can carry bacteria.

Can I return it? Yes. We offer 30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Opened paint can't be returned.

How fast does it ship? Orders usually ship in 2 to 4 business days, and standard delivery takes 3 to 7 business days after that. Shipping is $5.99, free on orders of $35 or more (lower 48 + DC).

Sources: General Finishes Milk Paint product page, Milk Paint TDS (March 2020), Coastal Blue SDS (01-Dec-2023).

Free standard shipping on orders $35+ to the lower 48 states and DC.

30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Contact us within 30 days of delivery to start a return. Opened paint, aerosols, flammables, special orders and sale items can't be returned. Read the full refund policy.