How to Achieve Glass Crackle Finish
Crackle glass finishes make furniture, cabinets or craft projects look similar to finely cracked glass. This is a popular style for making furniture look antique or for making surfaces appear like alligator skin. This faux finishing technique is easily accomplished as long as you prepare the surface of the project well and apply the crackle product according to manufacturer's directions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spackle
- Primer paint
- Paint in two different colors
- Crackle finish product
- Tack cloth
- Trisodium phosphate
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrushes or rollers
- Vanish (optional)
- Lacquer or polyurethane
Instructions
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1
Purchase a product like Natural Crackle at a home center or hardware store. Crackle finish products are found in the paint supply section.
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2
Prepare whatever project you are painting by filling in cracks and dents with spackle. Allow to dry completely, then rub with a tack cloth.
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3
Apply a base coat primer to the piece. Allow to dry.
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4
Brush on the paint of your choice. Remember, this paint will show through in the "cracks" of the finished project. Two coats are recommended.
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5
Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then clean with trisodium phosphate, available in the paint section of most home improvement stores.
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6
Sand the surface of the project with sandpaper to help the crackling product to adhere well.
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Test the crackle product in an inconspicuous spot.
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Apply the crackle product over the entire project, following the manufacturer's directions. Typically, a roller, sponge or paintbrush may be used. (When using a brush, be sure to use long, smooth strokes.)
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Apply another coat of paint on top of the crackle product. Some products allow you to paint over the crackle finish while it's still wet. The project should begin looking crackled right away. Do not over brush as this will make the crackling effect disappear.
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Brush on some varnish once the top coat is dry if you want a more aged appearance.
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Allow the project to dry for a day or two.
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Seal the project with a polyurethane or lacquer.
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Tips & Warnings
White glue can be used in place of a commercial crackling product. Using a paintbrush, apply the glue over a painted piece; when the glue is beginning to dry and has a thin skin, brush on a top layer of paint. When the glue is completely dry, the surface of the project will appear crackled.
Although it may be tempting to brush the crackle product or the top coat on well, the fewer brush strokes you use, the better the final appearance will be. Too many brush strokes equals very few crackles.
