How to Make a Crackled Paint Job

The crackled look of old paint is popular in country decorating, shabby chic, and primitive or rustic styles. Crackled paint gives the look of an antique, but you can do it yourself and have an instant, aged-looking piece of furniture that will give your home character. Even a beginner at painting can accomplish a crackled paint job.

Paint in two colors
Sandpaper
Paintbrushes
Crackle medium
Polyurethane spray

Instructions

- 1
  Choose two different colors of paint. One will be the undercoat, just showing through the cracks, and the other will serve as the topcoat -- the predominant color.
- 2
  Clean the surface of the piece you are going to crackle. Sand away any rough edges or old finish. Dust off the grit thoroughly.
- 3
  Paint your piece with the first color of paint. Make even strokes, leaving a smooth surface. Allow to dry.
- 4
  Apply crackle medium with a clean brush. Cover the entire surface where you want a crackled appearance. A thick coat of crackle medium will produce large cracks, a thin coat will produce fine cracks.
- 5
  Wait for the crackle medium to dry. The bottle will state the required drying time.
- 6
  Brush the second color of paint on with a clean paintbrush. Make all strokes in the same direction, and do not go over an area twice. Keep your paintbrush loaded with paint as evenly as possible. Crackles will start to appear as the paint begins to dry.
- 7
  Allow the piece to dry for at least 24 hours. Spray with a polyurethane protector to preserve the finish, if desired.

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