How to Crackle Paint
Do you want to give your walls a rugged and old look? There’s one faux painting technique you can try called crackle painting. It’s pretty simple, but you have get the right equipment and the proper steps. Here’s how.
What You’ll Need:
Crackle medium
Interior latex paint, in two different colors (eggshell or flat finish)
Synthetic paintbrush
Drop cloth
Masking tape
Sandpaper
Roller (optional)
Rags
Procedure:
Ready your tools, paint supplies and equipment. You can get the crackling medium and the latex paint in the nearest hardware store. Remember, when buying the paint, you have to get two different hues. The first is the undercoat, which will show through the crackling, and the other is the top coat, which will be crackled. Your crackling medium is transparent. Check and review the manufacturer’s instructions before you buy one brand. Pick the one you think will suit your project best.
Prepare the surface you’ll be crackling. Use the sandpaper to smooth it. When you think it’s smooth enough, get a damp cloth and wipe it thoroughly, removing the remaining dust. Let the surface dry.
Using the masking tape, cover and mask the surfaces you’re not planning to crackle and paint. Put the tape adjacent to the surface to be painted. As for the floor, cover with a drop cloth, to protect it from mess and paint.
Apply your undercoat paint color, following the can’s instructions. You have to thoroughly stir the paint before you apply it. Let it dry for at least four hours.
Apply your crackling medium. To give a directional effect to your crackling, use a paintbrush. If you want a more uniformed crackling outcome, you can use a roller. Let the medium dry for at least an hour.
Apply your top coat. How much depends on how much crackling you want to have. If you want subtle crackling, put on a thin layer, but if you want more cracks, apply paint thickly.
After several minutes, take away the masking tape, even if the paint is still fresh. Waiting for the crackle painted area to dry completely might cause the paint to lift off with the tape.
Let the crackle painted surface to completely dry.
A Few Tips
When choosing paint colors, choose hues that contrast with each other, so your surface will get a dramatic effect. If you want subtle look choose top and under coat colors that are of the same hue, but different shades.
It’s okay if you want to put the top paint coat after a few days, but make sure you apply it within five days of putting the crackling medium.
Crackling paint can also work on furniture, molding and accent trim.
If you want to give an old-fashioned flair to your surfaces, try crackling paint. It’s simple and easy, and you’ll definitely love the result!