How to Make Paint Look Thick and Crackled

Crackle paint treatments are commonly used on wood furniture surfaces like chairs, cabinets and tables to give the surface an antique look. The effect is generated by applying a darker color followed by a special glaze to which paint has a hard time adhering. When the lighter top coat is applied, it cracks and separates as it dries to give the antiqued look. The glaze compound is sold in most paint supply, home improvement and hardware stores.

Wood filler compound
Fine-grit sandpaper
Sponge
Dark-colored paint
Paintbrush or roller
Crackle glaze
Foam brush
Light-colored paint
Clear acrylic sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the surface for damage, scratches or other imperfections. Repair the surface so that it is perfectly smooth, using wood filler, and sand it smooth when the filler is dry.
- 2
  Clean the surface with a wet sponge and allow it to dry completely.
- 3
  Paint on the first coat of dark-colored paint with a paintbrush or paint roller for larger surfaces. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply a second coat to ensure thorough coverage.
- 4
  Apply a thin coat of crackle glaze compound over the painted surface using a foam brush. Leave the glaze to dry overnight or for at least 10 hours.
- 5
  Cover the crackle glaze with a lighter-colored coat of paint. Apply it very thickly and let it dry completely. As it dries, it will start to crack and have an old, weathered look. The thicker the paint coverage over the surface of the glaze compound, the larger the cracks that form.
- 6
  Paint a final coat of clear acrylic sealer over the crackled surface to protect the finish and keep the paint from flaking off.

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