Have you been introduced to Miss Mustard Seed’s® new MilkOil™ yet? If you have worked with hemp oil before, you know that it’s a miracle in a bottle that brings back furnishings and décor items of most materials, back from the drabs. Dull, dry woods, leather accents, and painted metals all come to life with a brushing of hemp oil and a follow-up wipe-off. But have you had questions about its safeness? Miss Mustard Seed’s® MilkPaint™ has taken this question seriously.

After much research and leg work, MMSMP has developed and sourced a very pure form of hemp oil that can even be used on food-related items. Cutting boards, wooden bowls, wooden utensils, etc., can now offer you peace of mind when using it on these types of items. In fact, the entire line of MMS MilkPaint™ has been reformulated to bring you a product you can feel good about having in your home and around your pets and family.

I personally like to use MilkOil™ over most of my painted pieces. Sometimes I opt for  MMS MilkWax™, but I’ll leave that for another blog. For today the question is; How do I determine when to paint and when to only use MilkOil™?

The “Spit Test”

Most days, you can find me out at a vintage shop, thrift store, or flea market, picking pieces to refurbish. I typically get a vibe when I know a piece is right. And oftentimes, it gets the “Spit Test.”

Yes, the “Spit Test”!

When judging if a piece would look amazing kept natural, I simply lick my finger and press it against the wood. This spot of moisture will tell me what kind of tone and lushness the wood tones will look like with MilkOil™. It’s also a quick way to eliminate keeping a piece natural.

A Red And Gray Box

This red and grey box is another example of when I would choose MilkOil™. When a piece has an independent story of use and gives you the vibe of the person who created and used the piece, it is often too interesting to paint. In the case of the worn and dried-out red and gray box, I chose to MilkOil™ it to amp up the tones and give it some interest.

Painted Wall Pocket

A painted wall pocket has a story as well with a hand-painted gold floral design. The paint was dull and made the piece uninteresting. With just a brushing of MilkOil™ and a wipe down, its story and interest are reborn.

Old Wooden Toolbox

I came across an old wooden toolbox. It had a great look with uneven surfaces, dings, and splattered paint. This was the piece I was on the fence about. It has a story to tell and would look good MilkOiled. But, I had a different intent for the piece and chose to use MMS MilkPaint™ this time. With only two coats of Aqua Sky and Boxwood and some post sanding, I’ve been able to keep the piece primitive while still featuring its story as elements show through. A MilkOil™ topcoat and wipe-down make this piece perfect for flowers or to hold napkins at a picnic.

Wooden Wall Shelf With Drawers

Aqua Sky was also the color I chose for an uninteresting wooden wall shelf with drawers. The piece is from the late 50’s and was part of the re-invented early American design trend of the time. Or as I like to refer to it, “When Lucy and Ricky moved to Connecticut”!

If you recall Lucy needed all new furniture for her home in the country and the early American vibe was her dream.

Now? Not so much.

But with the bright application of Aqua Sky, it is ready for the best boho-country-primitive-farmhouse-eclectic home.

Mixed Wood Trunk

At an auction, I picked a mixed wood truck. The “Spit Test” showed me the piece would look great natural. And even though the woods didn’t match, the piece remained visually interesting and would keep a current look. The darkened dove-tailed joints just sing history and quality and MilkOil™ didn’t disappoint with this wow piece.

A Look Developed Over Time

Remember, every home should feel like its look has developed over time. It should tell its own story of slowly selected acquisitions, loved items, travel, and the personalities of those in the home.

This comes with the mixture of new and old, re-earthing hidden away memories, and a curated color pallet. New design elements marry very well with items refreshed with MMS products. And flea market finds bring personality to store-bought furnishings.

Watch Kathy’sTutorial Video!

Stay inspired by Kathy’s design expertise and professional tips on her Facebook page,

West End Vintage & Interiors.