How to Create a Crackle Finish to Walls With Berg Paint

Faux finish painting has been around for thousands of years. Offering self-expression and personalization, it is a way to customize surfaces in homes. Even beginners can create the look. A crackle finish gives an aged appearance to a surface by mimicking a rustic, weathered look. The introduction of crackling mediums has made this type of faux finish painting fairly easy.

When choosing the two colors needed, be aware that the "base coat" is the color that will show through the cracks once the crackling process is complete and the "top coat" is the color that will actually form cracks. The predominant color on your wall will be the top coat color. For the crackling to be visually evident, choose colors that contrast sharply, such as black and white.

2 colors of latex paint, 1 base coat and 1 top coat
Crackling medium
Masking tape
Drop cloths
3-inch nylon-poly paintbrush
3/8-inch paint roller and roller cage
Paint pan

Instructions

- 1
  Tape off anything adjoining the wall that you don't wish to paint, such as woodwork. Place drop cloths on the floors and furniture.
- 2
  Paint the base coat color around the top of the wall as well as against taped-off surfaces with a latex paint, using a three-inch nylon-poly paintbrush. Paint far enough from the ceiling and taped-off surfaces so that a paint roller won't inadvertently touch a surface you don't want to paint. This is called "cutting in."
- 3
  Pour base coat color into a paint pan, filling it halfway. Paint the remainder of the wall with the base coat, using a 3/8-inch paint roller. Allow the base coat to dry completely, usually 12 to 24 hours.
- 4
  Load a clean brush with crackle glaze. Brush entire surface in one direction, and only apply one smooth and even coat. Do not vary the brush strokes as crackling glaze must be applied in one direction. The wall will appear shiny and wet. Generally, the thicker the crackle glaze is applied, the larger the cracks will be. Allow one hour to dry.
- 5
  Apply the second color of paint, the top coat, in the opposite direction in which you applied the glaze. Cover the base coat color and crackle glaze completely.

White Marble Effects

How to Clear Epoxy Resin Wood

Faux Finishing