How to Crackle Technique Cabinets

Remove the cabinet doors from the body of your cabinetry using a screwdriver and lay them out on a drop cloth. Lay a drop cloth down on the countertop, if you are also painting the body of the cabinetry.

Sand every surface that will get painted using a medium-grain sandpaper, such as 120-grit. Sanding will make your paint stick more successfully to the cabinetry, especially if a previous coat of paint exists, or the surface is glossy. Clean up the dust caused by sanding using a damp cloth or a tack cloth.

Apply the first coat of paint use a 3/8 inch nap roller. Allow the paint to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer -- at least 1 hour. If you work in an area with a breeze or fan, your paint will likely dry faster. Once the paint is sufficiently dry, flip the cabinet doors over and paint the other side. If your cabinets have cut outs or raised embellishments, use a foam brush to apply paint into every nook and cranny. If you are also adding the technique to the base of your cabinets, apply the first coat of paint using the same roller.

Add a layer of crackle glaze using 1/4 inch nap roller. Keep in mind that the thicker you apply the glaze, the larger the cracks will be when the effect is complete. Apply the coat evenly, so that the thickness is consistent across the cabinetry. Work in the same direction, such as from the top of the cabinet door to the bottom, as you roll. Apply a coat of glaze to the cabinet base using the same roller, if applicable. Allow the glaze to dry for between 1 and 4 hours.

Apply the second coat of paint using either a roller or brush. Use a brush if you want an obvious crackle effect, and a roller for a more subtle effect. Apply the coat of paint evenly, working in the same direction at all times. Within a few hours, you will see the paint crackle. Allow the top coat to dry for at least 4 hours before you reattach the doors to the base of the cabinet.