How to Do Crackle Faux Finish

There are many ways to accent furniture or a room but nothing is more rustic than a crackle finish. Yet, how do you achieve a crackle finish especially if you're new to the world of painting? That's where the steps below come in. They will explain the ins and outs of applying a crackle faux finish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Base Color of Paint
• A Top Color of Paint
• Crackling agent
• Sea sponge
• Paint Brush or Roller

1. Tape off areas that you do not want painted. Place drop cloths on the floor to help protect it. Then, apply a coat of primer to the working surface.

2. Apply two coats of the base color according to the manufacturer’s directions. Generally, let first coat dry four to eight hours. Then apply second coat. Let dry 24 hours minimum.

3. Apply the crackling agent with a roller or a brush. Wait until it’s dry to the touch, which is generally between 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Apply the top coat with either a sponge or brush while minimizing an overlapping of coats.

Tips & Warnings

• The flatter the paint the more prominent the crackle.
• For high-trafficked or moisture-prone areas, you can apply one to two coats of an oil-based, clear finish, i.e. lacquer or polyurethane.
• Minimize overlapping brush strokes as it will pull off the previously painted coat.
• For straight-lined crackles, use short brush strokes going in one direction. For spider web-like crackles, use a sea sponge starting from the center of the working area and spiraling your way out to the edges.