A water-based, matte paint with a casein binder. Dry casein is hydrolysed with alkalis (lime, borax, ammonium carbonate, etc.) to form a clear viscous solution. Casein paints dry to a matte, brittle film that is insoluble in water and impervious to most paint strippers. It may sometimes be removed with strong alkaline or ammonia solutions. Casein paints have been used for panel paintings, wall paintings and as architectural paints. Casein paints were sometimes varnished or glazed to imitate oil paints. Commercial production of casein paints began about 1900. Prior to that time, most casein paints were prepared by the painter. See also: casein. Synonyms: milk paint; farmers paint; casein tempera; lime casein. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2000). [J. Cassar, R. de Angelis]