How to Crackle Paint Over Wood Finish

A crackle finish makes a wooden item look older and, if the technique works as planned, more like an antique. The finish process, also called crackleur, requires the use of two contrasting colors of paint and glue. The base paint remains intact, but the top coat cracks. Crackle paint over a wood finish on tables, chairs or any decorative piece. The crackle-finish technique doesn't require a lot of painting experience or tools and can be completed in a day.

Latex paint in two contrasting colors
Mucilage glue
Medium-sized paintbrush for glue
Brush or roller for paint

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the surface of the item you wish to paint. Sand it smooth then wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust. Use strips of masking tape to protect the areas you do not wish to paint.
- 2
  Apply the base coat of paint, following the manufacturer's directions for best results. Let the paint dry for about three hours.
- 3
  Apply the glue, brushing or rolling it on in one direction only. The thicker the application, the larger the cracks in the paint will be. Do not allow the glue to dry.
- 4
  Apply the contrasting color over the glue, with strokes in the opposite direction you made for the glue. Load the brush or roller with enough paint at the start so that the applicator only goes over an area once.
- 5
  Wait for the cracks to appear. It takes a short time for this to happen and they may begin to appear as you paint. Apply an oil-based sealer to protect the finish when the paint is dry, if desired.

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