How to Crackle Paint on a Ceramic Lamp Base

Remove the lampshade and the light bulb. Sand the ceramic base lightly with the sandpaper to scuff the surface, as paint adheres better to a rough surface. Wipe down the lamp base with the tack cloth after sanding it.

Cover areas of the lamp with plastic sheeting where you do not want spray paint to touch. Tape the plastic to these areas to hold it securely.

Set the lamp onto a drop cloth to protect surrounding surfaces from paint overspray.

Shake the spray paint vigorously for about three minutes. Remove the cap and hold the spray can approximately 12 inches away from the lamp base. Coat the lamp base evenly with the spray paint. Allow the spray paint to dry for about five minutes. Apply a second coat.

Shake the crackle medium spray and apply it immediately to the lamp base while the second coat of base paint is still wet. Wait for about five minutes and apply a second coat of the crackle medium spray. The crackle medium will react to the base paint by creating crackles all over the lamp base surface.

Cover the lamp base with a clear acrylic spray to seal the surface. Spray the acrylic spray lightly over the lamp base and allow the base to dry completely.

Reassemble the lamp by placing the lampshade back onto the lamp and reinserting the light bulb.