How to Crackle Paint Raw Wood
Items coated with crackle paint tend to exhibit a naturally aged, well-worn appearance. Often this type of antiqued effect is desired for new, unpainted wood items to help them appear well-used and loved. Using some basic supplies that can be found at most craft stores, you can create a crackle paint finish on any raw wood surface. Though not food safe, your creation will be durable enough to provide you with many years of enjoyment.
Things You'll Need
- Water-based paint for base coat
- Crackle medium
- Water-based paint for top coat
- Sandpaper, medium grit
- Sponge brush
- Paintbrush
- Clean cloth
Instructions
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1
Clean the raw wood by wiping it with a damp cloth. Allow the wood to dry completely.
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2
Paint the dry wood with the base paint, using your paintbrush. There is no need to be especially careful, since this base coat will be covered with crackle paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.
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3
Sand the painted wood using your medium grit sandpaper. This will help your crackle paint to stick. Clean the sanding dust from the wood using a damp cloth, and allow the wood to dry completely.
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4
Dip your sponge brush into the crackle liquid. Paint the liquid onto the wood using smooth, even strokes. The direction that you paint the liquid will be the direction of the crackles.
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5
Allow the crackle medium to dry until only slightly tacky. This usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour.
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6
Paint the top coat of paint onto your wood, using smooth strokes. Do not brush in a back and forth motion, but in only one direction. Work as quickly as possible, and finish the entire piece at once, rather than setting it aside for later. The paint will begin crackling in about one minute. Allow the crackle-painted wood to dry completely before handling it.
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Tips & Warnings
Use highly contrasting colors for your base paint and your top coat paint. This way, the crackle finish will be much more noticeable.
For items that will receive a significant amount of wear and tear, consider coating them with a protective coat of a polyurethane finish.
References
- Photo Credit green crackled wood texture image by João Freitas from Fotolia.com
