Common Mistakes When Practicing Latte Art
Latte art is one of the most rewarding (and addictive!) skills in a barista's toolkit. But as beautiful as it looks on Instagram, anyone who's tried it knows: it’s not as easy as it looks. Whether you’re a home barista or new to café work, avoiding these common mistakes will fast-track your improvement.
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1. Using Cold or Old Milk
Fresh, cold milk is key to silky microfoam. Many beginners try re-steaming milk or use milk that’s been sitting too long. This creates large bubbles or a grainy texture, making it nearly impossible to pour clean art.
Tip: Always start with cold, fresh milk – and don’t reheat previously steamed milk.
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2. Not Cleaning the Steam Wand Properly
Leftover milk can ruin your next jug – not just in taste, but in foam texture. It also affects steam pressure consistency, which is critical for silky milk.
Tip: Purge before and after steaming. Keep your steam wand clean to ensure consistent foam.
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3. Pouring Without Control
Many people rush their pour, starting too high or too fast. This creates thin milk, splashes, or art that disappears into the crema.
Tip: Start your pour high and slow to mix milk and espresso, then lower the jug and increase flow when you want the pattern to form.
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4. Too Much or Too Little Milk
Overfilling or underfilling your jug makes it hard to control foam and pouring angles. You’ll either have too much milk or run out before you finish your heart or rosetta.
Tip: For an 8oz cup, aim to fill your milk to just below the spout. It’s a sweet spot for control.
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5. Using Bad Espresso as Your Base
No matter how good your milk is, poor crema or under-extracted espresso will ruin your art. Thin, broken crema won’t hold the contrast needed to see your design.
Tip: Dial in your espresso first. Strong crema = strong canvas.
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6. Practicing Without Focus
Repeating the same mistake again and again won’t help you improve. Many students “practice” latte art without reviewing what went wrong.
Tip:Take photos of each cup. Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Was the milk too thick? Did the pour start too high?
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7. Giving Up Too Soon
Latte art requires muscle memory and patience. You won’t nail a symmetrical tulip on your first (or tenth) try. Many people give up when they’re this close to a breakthrough.
Tip: Stick to one design (like a heart) and master it before moving to the next. Repetition builds confidence.
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Ready to Level Up Your Pouring Game?
At Swan Lab, our Basic Latte Art class is designed to help beginners avoid these exact mistakes — with step-by-step guidance, hands-on practice, and personalized feedback.
Classes run Wed–Sun in Melbourne
Small group size (4 max)
Suitable for beginners or baristas looking to refine their technique
👉 [Book your spot now](https://www.swanlab.com.au)
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Happy brewing, and see you at the machine!
— Jimmy
