How to Make Crackle Paste

Give projects an antique and rustic look by using your own homemade crackle paste. Use crackle paste between two coats of a paint to make the surface layer crack, showing the bottom layer of color through the cracks. The materials sold to create this popular type of faux finish can be very expensive. Fortunately, the same effect can be created with good old fashioned white PVA glue.

Water based paint - two colors
Paintbrush
White PVA glue
Measuring cup
Mixing bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Apply the paint that will show through the cracks to the surface and allow to dry.
- 2
  Put 10 cups of white glue in a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of water and mix thoroughly to form the crackle paste.
- 3
  Paint a layer of the paste on top of the paint. User a thicker layer of paste to make wide cracks, spaced further apart, or a thin layer to create small cracks, close together. Varying the thickness of the paste applied will create a more natural effect.
- 4
  Allow to dry until tacky; do not let the paste dry completely.
- 5
  Paint the top coat of paint over the still tacky paste. Cracks will form in the top layer of paint. Use a water based paint for the surface to crack properly. Latex based paints stretch, so they don't crack.

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