How to Crackle Spackle a Plaster Wall

Crackled walls create texture, making plain plastered walls more interesting. This type of faux paint finish involves a few extra steps but the added painting time will be worth the end result. Crackle one wall or entire room for an old world look, perfect for a Tuscany or French provincial decor. Since crackling requires the use of latex paints, beginners will find this method of painting easy to work with. Hide boring plaster walls with a crackled finish you'll enjoy touching and seeing.

Spackling paste
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Satin sheen latex paint
Paint brush
Crackle medium
Rollers
Flat paint

Instructions

- 1
  Apply spackling paste to the wall, covering holes and seams. Sweep the paste on evenly using the putty knife. Remove the excess. Allow the spackling paste to dry completely for at least one hour. Sand the spackling lightly to make a smooth finish.
- 2
  Paint on a coat of satin-sheen latex paint. Don't over-permeate the plaster. Apply just enough to cover the entire area. Applying too much paint can make the plaster soggy. Allow the paint to dry for six or more hours.
- 3
  Roll on the crackle treatment over the entire painted wall. Use a paintbrush if you want more linear crackling. Allow the crackling treatment to dry overnight or according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 4
  Roll on a single layer of flat paint. Do not backtrack while painting as this may make the crackling uneven. Add a second layer of paint for more pronounced crackling. Allow the crackled, spackled area to dry completely for at least six hours.

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