How do amish paint furniture?

Question

How do the amish get their "painted" furniture to look so nice? It doesn't look painted, almost looks like a colored stain. Anyone know what the product is?

Answer 1

Dunno how they do it but the responder "steplift" is wrong by saying they have nothing to do all day. I live in an Amish community and I can tell ya, they are very hard workers and as a matter of fact, I had a family of Amish including a 7 year old boy at my home just today sealing my metal roof for me. They did an excellent job!!

Mary in Camden, MI. USA

Answer 2

It is impossible to say what finish was used on the product you saw, but I guarantee you it was NOT milk paint. . .

There are many different Amish communities across the country, and each seems to have its own version of what is acceptable in terms of automation and such.  One thing that they do have in common is the principle that an Amish business may ask to deviate from tradition if it is necessary to compete with other businesses producing the same product.  The end result is that the common conception of Amish workmanship is very rare these days.  The piece of furniture you saw was probably mass produced (maybe or maybe not in an Amish operation).

I would add that you can't judge the production method by the store you see it in.  The Amish in our community sell furniture and baked goods at a store lit by gas lights with all of the traditional charm.  The furniture is produced a few miles away in an Amish shop with three CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) milling machines and a variety of other high tech machines.  

Milk paint does not work well with modern equipment, so I sincerly doubt that is what you saw.  If it looks like a colored stain, it probably is.  Theirs is probably sprayed with an air sprayer or perhaps a high volume low pressure sprayer, which is the difference between what you will be able to do at home and what you see on theirs.

Your best bet is to take a trip to your local home center or hardware store and let them know what you want to finish.  Several manufactures produce products that will allow you to produce the "colored stain" look at home.

Answer 3

With a paint brush

Answer 4

Coloured stain?  Natural dyes like tanin from tea leaves, beetroot juice etc and bees wax polish?

just thoughts, havent any firm idea really as I always though the Amish shunned frivolous decoration.

Answer 5

they have nothing to do all day so they paint and they take there time because what else can they do

Answer 6

Could be milk paint which can be applied very thinly, and it does soak into the wood, comes in every colour.

Answer 7

Unfortunately for you, I doubt any Amish people will be visiting this website to give you their views.

Answer 8

It is indeed Milk Paint.

Have a look:

http://www.realmilkpaint.com/

I have used this brand for many years.