How to Use Crackle With Paint

Crackle gives a surface an aged appearance. The way it is used will mean the difference between fine cracks and wide, heavy cracks to the paint. With a little practice and a light touch with the paintbrush, the aged appearance of the surface will have a nice effect. Beginner painters can learn how to use crackle with ease. The crackle is non-toxic and cleans up with soap and warm water. Crackle can be found in the paint section of most craft stores.

Things You'll Need

• Crackle medium 1-inch paintbrush (or wider if you are doing a large surface) 2 different colors of paint Water Cloth or paper towels Fine grit sandpaper (optional) Water-based varnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Paint the surface with the first color of paint and let it dry completely. Make sure there are no ridges left and the surface is smooth. If the paint needs to be sanded after painting, use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Wipe the sanding dust away, apply a second coat of paint and let it dry.

2. Pour the crackle medium into a tray or cup and use a clean brush to apply the crackle over the surface. A thick heavy application will result in large cracks while a thin layer will show fine cracks after the drying process has taken place. This is the time to decide which type of cracks you would like to have.

3. 

   Follow the instructions on the crackle container for drying. Using a one step process is easiest and fastest. Apply the top color to the surface when it is dry.

4. Apply the paint in one direction. Don't drag the color, but move the brush until there is no color left on it and reapply paint to the brush, picking up where you left off painting. The effects may not show right away, but they will when the drying process begins.

5. 

   One to two coats of varnish can be applied to the surface after the top color is completely dry and the crackling process has finished.

Tips & Warnings

• If dragging occurs, leave it alone because it will pull the crackle and smudge it. Crackle works best in a warm (not hot) room. Use contrasting colors so the cracks will be apparent.

• Clean materials with soap and water immediately after using them. Read labels for a non-toxic brand of crackle medium.