How to Do a Crackle Paint Finish
Crackle finishing your walls or furniture is a beautiful and inexpensive way to add a "shabby chic" look to your home. While the finish looks complicated, it's actually quite easy to achieve---if you use the proper tools and technique. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Spackle or wood filler
- Painter's tape
- Drop cloths
- Tinted primer or base coat paint
- Crackle medium or white glue
- Contrasting top coat paint
- Polyurethane
- Bristle paint brushes
- Foam brushes
- Paint roller (optional)
Instructions
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1
Determine what surface you'll be painting. If the surface is a wall, fill any holes with spackle. If you will be finishing a piece of wood furniture, fill any gouges or holes in the wood with wood filler. Let dry for 24 hours and sand smooth.
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Prepare for painting. Mask off any areas that will not be receiving the crackle finish. On walls, mask off around door jambs and trim as well. On furniture, mask off around any hardware or designs. Lay a drop cloth down on the floor to prevent paint splatters.
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3
Prime your surface. Using the bristle paint brush, cut in around any masked areas. Finish off larger areas of wall with the roller.
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4
Apply your crackle medium or glue using the foam brush. Work quickly, using short strokes to cover the entire surface. A thinner coat of medium will produce smaller cracks. Thicker coats produce larger cracks. Let dry for 24 hours.
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5
Apply your top coat of paint using a clean bristle brush. Use only one thin coat to cover the areas you painted with crackle medium or glue. Watch the cracks appear as the paint begins to dry. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
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6
Use the foam brush to seal the surface with a thin coat of polyurethane.
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Tips & Warnings
When finishing wood furniture, it is best to start with bare wood. If this is not possible, prepare the furniture by sanding all surfaces lightly to give the paint something to adhere to.
