Mastering How to Steam Milk for Latte Art doesn’t take long if you focus on a few key steps. Start with cold milk and a chilled pitcher, then position the steam wand just below the surface to introduce air for a few seconds, creating a light, silky foam. Once the milk begins to expand, submerge the wand slightly deeper to heat it evenly and eliminate large bubbles. Aim for a smooth, glossy texture—often called “micro foam”—that pours like wet paint. With a bit of practice and proper temperature control, you can achieve barista-quality milk in under five minutes, making your latte art cleaner and more defined.