How to Crackle Paint a Mantel

Clear everything off your mantel and wipe it down with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust or debris. Protect the floor under the mantel by putting down a drop cloth. Put a row of painter's tape on the wall where it meets the mantel, to stop paint from getting onto your walls by accident.

Apply one coat of paint to the mantel. This first coat will serve as the base coat, and the crackles that appear on the mantel will be in this color. Use a roller or brush to apply long, even strokes of paint. Use only a thin layer of paint, and let it dry for four hours.

Add a coat of crackle glaze to the mantel. Use the type of brush strokes suggested by the manufacturer -- pay special attention to whether or not you are supposed to apply the glaze in only one direction. Let the glaze dry for at least one hour, but no more than four hours.

Apply another coat of paint in a different color. Use either a roller or a brush, applying the paint in the same direction until the entire mantel is covered. The crackles will begin to appear, and the final result is visible within a few hours.

Remove the tape from around the mantel once the paint is dry.