How to use Ultra Bond?
Quick Summary: Mix Ultra Bond directly into liquid Real Milk Paint at a 1:4 ratio to ensure a permanent grip on slick, non-porous surfaces. This additive acts as a powerful binder, allowing traditional paint to adhere to challenging materials after proper cleaning and scuff-sanding.
Traditional milk paint is famous for its beautiful matte finish, but it naturally loves porous surfaces like raw wood. If you have a project involving glass, metal, or a previously finished piece of furniture, you need a secret weapon. Ultra Bond is a powerful adhesion promoter specifically engineered to help Real Milk Paint grip difficult, non-porous surfaces that would otherwise repel the paint.
By learning the right way to prep your surface and mix this binder, you can transform almost any object with a durable, long-lasting Ultra Bond wood finish (or metal/glass finish!).
Step 1: Surface Preparation
The bond is only as strong as the surface underneath. For Ultra Bond application success, follow these two steps:
- Deep Cleaning: Use a non-residue cleaner like TSP to remove wax, grease, or silicone. The surface must be 100% contaminant-free.
- Scuffing: Lightly sand or scuff the surface. This creates "teeth" in the material, providing the mechanical adhesion necessary for the paint to grab on tightly.
Step 2: Mixing the Product
Mixing is where most people make a mistake. Remember: Ultra Bond must be added to liquid, not powder.
- Paint First: Mix your Real Milk Paint with water according to the standard instructions. Ensure it is fully blended and smooth.
- The Ratio: Add 1 part Ultra Bond to 4 parts liquid milk paint (this is a 25% ratio).
- Incorporate: Stir the mixture thoroughly so the binder is evenly distributed throughout the paint.
Step 3: Application and Drying
You can apply the enhanced paint mixture just like normal milk paint using a brush, roller, or applicator.
- First Coat vs. Every Coat: While the binder is most critical for the very first coat to establish a bridge to the surface, you can add it to every subsequent coat for maximum durability on particularly slick projects.
- Curing Time: Allow each coat to dry according to standard times. For the strongest possible bond, let the finished project dry for 24 hours before any heavy handling.
Pro Tip: For maximum adhesion on particularly slick or challenging surfaces, add Ultra Bond to every coat of paint, not just the first one.
Ready to Tackle a Challenging Surface?
With Ultra Bond, you no longer have to worry about your paint flaking or peeling off non-absorbent materials. It is the essential additive for anyone looking to push the boundaries of what milk paint can do.