How to: Plasti-Kote Crackle

Applying a crackle finish to wooden furniture or frames gives the appearance of tiny cracks in your project so they have a natural aged look. Plasti-Kote crackle is a two-part process with a base coat and a top coat. Each of the two repels each other when the top coat is sprayed on so the two do not bond but form cracks in the finish. You can achieve small, medium or larges cracks in your project when the finish is applied correctly.

Isopropyl alcohol
Paper towels
Masking tape
Spray primer
Paintbrush
Base paint
Plasti-Kote Crackle
Top coat

Instructions

- 1
  Pour isopropyl alcohol on paper towels. Clean the piece that you want to apply a crackle finish to by rubbing the paper towels on the surface to remove any dust or debris. Let the alcohol dissipate for about 10 minutes.
- 2
  Place masking tape on any edges of areas of your project that you do not want crackled. Remove cushions from furniture or mask them off next to the wood.
- 3
  Spray your project with canned spray primer. Spray from a distance of about 1 foot away from the surface. Use long strokes in the direction of the wood grain until the project is covered. Allow the primer to dry according to the package directions.
- 4
  Apply your base coat of Plasti-Kote crackle on the project at a distance of 1 foot following the direction of the wood grain. Let this coat dry only until it is tacky to the touch.
- 5
  Hold a spray can of crackle top coat about 6 to 8 inches from the project. Spray a light coat of Plasti-Kote top coat crackle on the base coat for small crackles. Spray a medium coat of Plasti-Kote for medium-sized crackles and a heavy coat for large crackles. Allow the crackle coating to dry.

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