Crackle painting is a technique used to give a painted surface a worn and aged look.You can give almost any surface a faux finish by applying a layer of glue or crackle medium between 2 layers of latex or paint.Sand and prime before painting to get the best results.Protect the finish with a sealant and Enhance the distressed look with sandpaper and aging dust.
Step 1: Pick a piece of furniture to crackle paint.
Crackle painting can be done on ceramic and canvas.It looks most realistic on wooden pieces that weather over time.Paint an old rocking chair, a decorative crate, or a piece of wall art.
Step 2: The wooden items were sanded with 150-grit sandpaper.
If you want to paint a wooden object, you should get 150-grit or fine sandpaper from a hardware or home improvement store.The item should be rubbed against its surface to make it easier to paint.
Step 3: Put a damp cloth over the item.
Make sure your object is free of dirt before you start painting.You need to get rid of sanding dust for wooden pieces.Put warm water over a clean cloth and wring it out.Clean the entire surface of your item.
Step 4: Primer should be applied to the item.
Wait until the item is completely dry to the touch and then get some paint primer and a paintbrush.Allow the primer to dry before brushing it onto the item.It should take between 1 and 3 hours.If your object is wooden, you should get a wood primer to make sure the cracks in the wood are filled in.
Step 5: Choose and protect your workspace.
Outside or in an open garage are good places to paint.Before getting the paint out, cover your work surface with newspapers to keep it from getting damaged.
Step 6: Let the base coat dry before applying it.
After following the instructions in the primer, you can apply an acrylic or latex paint as a base coat.It is best to get a paint that is semi-gloss or satin.The paint should be brushed in the direction of the grain.The item should be dry by the next day.The paint you use for your top coat will be different.A flat finish is more saturated than a semi-gloss finish.The top and base coats should have contrasting colors.
Step 7: crackle medium or school glue can be applied to an object.
Purchase a conventional crackle medium or white school glue at a craft store.You can use a paintbrush to coat the item you are painting.Both Crackle medium and school glue provide good end results.
Step 8: To get big cracks and thin layers, apply thick layers.
If you want to create large cracks, apply glue or crackle medium to your paintbrush before painting it.Before applying your paintbrush to the object's surface, make sure to dip it into the glue or crackle medium.
Step 9: Don't allow glue to dry if you want to crackle medium completely dry.
Give it 1-2 hours to dry if you are using a crackle medium.You should immediately paint your top coat.When the top coat is applied, the glue must be tacky.
Step 10: The top coat can be painted with either flat latex or acrylic.
If you want the best visual effects, choose a color that contrasts with your base coat color.If your base coat is bright yellow, you might consider navy blue as a top coat.The cracks should stay intact if the paint is allowed to dry completely.
Step 11: Apply a top coat of latex or paint.
One coat of flat latex or acrylic paint is enough to cover the crackle medium or glue.If you want to get large cracks, brush on a heavy coat and lightly.If you want spider web-like cracks, sponge-paint the top coat with a spouncer brush.
Step 12: The paint needs at least 2 hours to dry.
If you don't know if it's dry, lightly touch a small part of the object with your finger.The paint is dry if it feels dry to the touch.
Step 13: To make the base coat visible, sand the edges of wooden items.
After the top coat is dry to the touch, sand the item again.Sand the entire item if you want to see more of the base coat.Sand the item's edges and curves if you want to add a little more to the distressed look.
Step 14: Aging dust creates a depth and texture.
If your item is still looking new, you can use a paintbrush to make it look older.To see more depth and texture, apply the dust in cracks and crevices.Dust aging can be purchased at craft stores and online.
Step 15: Use a clear coat of sealant to seal the finish.
Once you have gotten your item the way you want it, lock in its finish by brushing on a clear coat of sealant.If you want to protect your furniture, this is a good idea.Follow the instructions for drying the item.If you have a piece of wall art that is less likely to be touched, you might want to go without the sealant.The distressed look will be played up by this.