How to Make Your Own Distress Crackle Paint

Crackle paint gives you the appearance of distressed materials without the associated damage.

Crackle paint is useful for giving objects a weathered, old appearance as well as adding an interesting texture to new items. Specialty paints like crackle paint are often more expensive than standard paints, and usually come in a limited number of colors. To save money and get the exact color that you want, you can mix up your own crackle paint at home using basic ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Flour
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Cornstarch
• Fork
• Food coloring
• House paint brush
• Hair dryer
• Matte varnish

Instructions

1. Whisk the flour into the water until the two ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, free of any lumps.

2. Cook the flour mixture into a wheat paste over medium heat on the stove, whisking frequently. The paste is finished when the mixture thickens, gaining the consistency of gravy. Remove from the stove and let cool.

3. Add the cornstarch to the wheat paste. Stir with a fork until the mixture is smooth.

4. Color the mixture with food coloring. Make an old-fashioned, pale color using a mixture of primary food coloring.

5. Thin the mixture with water as needed, until it is the consistency of thin yogurt or of house paint.

6. Apply the mixture as paint to surfaces you want to coat with cracked paint. Use a house paint brush to apply the mixture just as you would apply paint.

7. Let the mixture air dry for several hours. Precise drying times will depend on heat and humidity conditions, but if you want to speed it up, use a hair dryer or house fans. When the mixture drys, it will crack.

8. Spray the mixture with matte varnish. This will give it a slight sheen, making it look realistic, while keeping the mixture from being powdery to the touch (though it will still be flaky).

References

• "Making Stage Props: A Practical Guide;" Andy Wilson; 2003