How to Apply Crackle Finish Paint
Do you love Grandma's old pie cabinet with the crackled paint peeling off the front but don't want to wait for her to give it to you? No doubt because of their nostalgic value, antique and vintage looks have become very popular in decorating today, but not everyone is fortunate enough to have these kinds of charming heirlooms handed down to them. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of faux finishing products now available to the do-it-yourselfer. Applying crackle finish paint is one easy way to get the warm, worn look of older furniture. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Item to be crackled
- Primer
- Painter's tape
- Paint brushes
- Base coat
- Crackle finish
- Clear sealant (top coat)
Instructions
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How to Apply Crackle Finish Paint
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1
Read the directions on your product! Generally, the basic steps are the same for applying crackle finish paint but be sure to follow the specific directions for the product you've purchased.
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2
Sand and prime. Prepare the item to be crackled by sanding it with a lightweight sandpaper and wiping it down with a tack cloth. Be sure to remove all debris from sanding. If you're working with an unpainted wooden object, you must then coat it with a primer made specifically for wood furniture.
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3
Plan your design before painting. Do you want to apply crackle finish paint to the entire area or just to highlight some details in your furniture? Once you've decided on a design, apply painter's tape to any areas you do not want to paint.
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4
Apply the base coat of paint on the item you wish to crackle by using a good quality brush. The base coat is the color that will be seen under the crackle finish. If you are applying the crackle to a stained piece of furniture, then a clear sealant should be considered your base coat. Let the base coat dry for 24 hours.
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5
Apply the crackle finish with a clean brush. Let the crackle finish dry for 24 hours.
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6
Apply the top coat, a clear sealant. Remove the painter's tape. When the sealant has dried to a hard finish your new crackle finished piece of furniture is ready to use!
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Tips & Warnings
Different brush strokes may result in different sizes or shapes of crackle. If you do not want to be surprised by the outcome, consider practicing your technique on a practice board before applying the crackle finish to your furniture. Simply prepare a scrap of plywood in the same manner described in the above steps, and practice your technique for applying the crackle medium by varying the size and direction of your brush strokes. Take notes so you'll know how to replicate your favorite look.
