Can I Apply Crackle on Textured Walls?

Prepare the surface

• Once the walls have been textured, two coats of latex eggshell or satin paint must be applied to the surface. Roll on the latex paint with a rough nap roller. This type of roller has long hairs reaching all the crevices of the texture. Allow the walls to dry for several hours.

Crackle Base

• A variety of crackle techniques are available, but one thing all crackle kits have in common is a gluelike base. The base will cause the top coat to crackle. Directly roll or brush the glue onto the plaster, focusing on the raised areas of the plaster.

  The glue has very strong fumes, and ventilation is required. Open all windows and doors to circulate air in the room you are working in. Wash the glue off your tools with warm water and soap.

  Once the glue is tacky to touch, it is ready for the next coat of paint. It is critical that you not wait for the glue to dry.

Crackle Paint

• Once you apply the crackle paint over the glue, you'll start to see cracks appear on the texture. Remember, the cracks are not in the plaster itself, but simply the paint on top. Brush the paint in one direction to create elongated cracks. Sponge on paint for all-over, more circular cracks. Ensure you are covering the entire area with one stroke.

  The crackle process begins instantly. It will not crackle if you retouch with another stroke of paint or dab from a sponge.

Drying Process and Finishing

• Allow the crackle to completely dry over the texture on the wall. Do not manipulate or adjust any areas that are not perfect. Most crackle techniques do not turn out completely perfect. Crackle requires a sealer to ensure all paint adheres well to the wall texture. Roll on clear eggshell sealer over the entire wall, both texture and crackle. The sealer will protect the crackle finish from dirt and fingerprints.