Faux Crackle Painting Tutorial

Applying paint over a coat of liquid hide glue will create an instant antique look on any paint–able surface. Use this process on old furniture or any unattractive paint finish.

Steps to Crackle Faux Finishing

1. The application of a basecoat. Choose a paint color that complements your decor. If you will be using a dark colored top coat, use a light colored basecoat and visa versa.
2. Over the basecoat a crackle medium is applied. Use a liquid hide glue or a specially made crackle medium. Cover the entire project at one time. Allow hide glue to dry for 12 to 24 hours.
3. Over the dry glue a top paint coat is applied. The paint will crack as it dries.

Preparation

If the existing paint surface is sound, you can skip the preparation and base coating processes and start with the application of the crackle medium. With furniture projects, disassemble the piece as much as possible by removing drawers, door, handles, etc. If your project is an item that will be handled frequently you may want to protect the finish by coating it with a clear shellac or varnish after about 24 hours.

You can add this crackle finish to any paint-able surface. This process also works for natural finishes like bare wood or brick, however, these should be coated with a clear sealer before adding a crackle finish. The following is a list of preparation procedures for most projects.

• Ceramics and Glass: prepare these surfaces using denatured alcohol to wipe the surface clean. Apply a coat of primer/sealer. Follow with a latex or alkyd basecoat. Allow the basecoat to dry for 24 hours.
• Plastic: plastic doesn't typically hold a painted finish well but for plastic objects that won't see high traffic, like vases or picture frames, a crackle finish can be applied. Prime plastic with a general purpose spray paint and let it dry for about an hour. Base coat with a latex or alkyd–based paint.
• Wood: remove any peeling paint from wood surfaces sand the finish and apply a latex or alkyd primer to any bare wood. Allow the primer to dry and apply a latex or alkyd basecoat. Let the basecoat dry for 24 hours.
• Metal: remove any rust from the surface using steel wool or a stiff brush and then prime the rust spots with a rust inhibiting primer or use naval jelly. When the rust inhibitor is dry apply an alkyd primer to the entire surface. Follow with an alkyd basecoat and allow 24 hours for drying.
• Brick and Masonry: if a natural brick surface is desired for the base, remove any loose sand or mortar using a stiff brush. Seal the surface with a clear latex masonry sealer. Allow to dry for 12 to 24 hours.
• Drywall and Plaster: repair any water damage, cracks or peeling paint using these Wall Repair Guides. Paint new walls with one or two coats of latex primer and a coat of latex wall paint. Let the paint dry for about 12 hours.

If your project is directly adjacent to other surfaces not to be crackled, you will want to mask them using painter's masking tape. Use multiple strips of tape to create a 3 inch barrier on all surrounding surfaces.

Apply the Basecoat

When using liquid hide glue as the crackle medium, latex or alkyd paint can be used for the basecoat. For added effect, choose a metallic base paint or a paint with a shiny finish, such as eggshell or semi–gloss.

Always buy all the paint you will need at one time. It may be impossible to get the exact color mixed again. For an average size crackle project, a quart of paint will usually be enough. If you are making a radical change to the color, you may need more for multiple coats. Paint your project with the basecoat and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Be sure to give the basecoat plenty of time to dry before proceeding with the glue coat. If the paint is too soft the application of the thick hide glue will loosen the paint film and it will sag and run.

Apply the Crackle Medium

We recommend you use liquid hide glue as your crackle medium for a consistent crackle finish. Specially made crackle mediums are available but may not work as well to create consistent cracks. Check the container label for compatable paint coatings.

Apply a thick coat of the crackle medium using a brush or roller. The thicker the application, the larger the cracks in the finish will be. Use a sausage roller to coat large area and a paint brush for smaller features.

Coat the project in logical sections, for example, coat all drawers before moving to the side panels. Finish each section before moving to the next. Allow the crackle medium to dry before continuing with the top coat. Liquid hide glue can take as much as 24 hours to dry depending on the temperature. Specially made crackles will dry much faster as a rule.

For an accent to the crackle finish, don't crack the paint finish on small parts like drawer handles. This will allow the paint color to compliment the overall look of the piece when you're done.

Apply the Top Coat

If hide glue is used as the crackle medium, top coat the project with any paint finish desired. If another medium is used see the label for compatable paints.

Apply the top paint coat in the same logical sequence you used for the crackle medium. Work quickly, especially in hot, dry weather to avoid premature drying of the paint. Use the brush for smaller features and roll larger areas. Avoid brushing or rolling back over the top coat more than once or twice. The cracking will begin almost immediately and the effect will be ruined if the surface is disturbed during the cracking process.

If you want large cracks in the paint finish, use a thick top coat. If you want smaller cracking, use a thinner top coat. Avoid a very thick paint coat on vertical surfaces where the paint will tend to sag. If sagging occurs, immediately wipe the top coat off with a absorbent rag soaked with the proper solvent. Don't wipe too hard with the wet rag to avoid disturbing the crackle medium. If the crackle coat rubs off, apply another coat to the bare spot and let it dry before starting with the top coat again.

Don't touch the finish until it has dried completely. After about 24 hours you can handle the piece and apply a clear coat to protect the surface if desired.

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