How to Do Weathered Crackle on Furniture

Prep surfaces by wiping dirt with a damp cloth or sponge. Sand with 150-grit sandpaper. If your furniture has peeling paint, use 60- or 100-grit paper to remove loose paint. There is no need to sand to bare wood or to sand the wood smooth. Remove dust with a damp cloth or sponge.

Apply primer to help the top finishes stick to the old and stop old stains from marring the top coat. If you are working with an old piece that already has a paint or clear finish, use an oil- or alcohol-based primer. Use a natural bristle brush for oil primer and a synthetic bristle or foam brush for alcohol (shellac) primer. Allow to completely dry.

Brush on the base coat. This is the color you want to show through when the top coat cracks. Use a paint in the color and sheen that you prefer, making sure you achieve even coverage on all surfaces and in furniture details, dings and crevices. Allow to dry overnight.

Brush on the crackle medium in a thick layer, but not enough that it drips. Allow to dry at least 1 hour, but not more than 4, before proceeding to the next step.

Brush on the top color in a flat finish. If the coverage seems incomplete or appears brushy, it's ok. Don't be tempted to rebrush or touch up. Within minutes, you will see the top coat begin to crackle and reveal the base coat. Allow to dry overnight.

Seal the finished product with a satin sealer if the the piece will get a lot of use, such as with a chair or a tabletop. Allow to dry overnight.