Crackle painting is a quick growing painting trend that adds character and age to either interior walls, furniture pieces or almost anything else you can paint! The Crackle technique gives a cool antique and worn look to whatever medium you are painting. The effect is a cracked paint look that can either look stylish or out of place depending on what are you crackle painting. This article is going to provide 10 tips to make crackle painting as easy as possible, where to get the product, and how to get the best results.
1. Where do I get the crackle medium?
Purchasing the crackle medium is the easiest part of the whole process, it can be found at most DIY hardware stores, home improvement stores, and also at craft stores. The product is a color and is designed to give a cracked appearance in the topcoat which is applied last.
2. Do I have to strip stain or the old paint for this technique?
Yes and no. You will want to apply a new basecoat for best results; however you can use the crackle medium right over stain and the preexisting basecoat, the topcoat of course has to be repainted. If the paint is peeling or there is excess stain then you will want to strip it, but this will not be the case the majority of the time.
3. Prepping for painting
You will want to wash and sand the walls for an even painting surface, then you will want to tape off the parts that you do not wish to paint. Basically the same steps as prepping for painting, nothing changes except for the mid step of crackle.
4. Primer and base coat
After sanding you will want to apply 2 coats of primer (depending on the project you may not need a primer). After the two coats of primer are completely dry then you will want to apply a basecoat.
5. How many coats of the base should I use and how dark?
For the most stylish look you should apply two coats for the base (will allow the paint to dry darker), and I also recommend using a darker color for best results with the crackle. The basecoat is not the paint will get the worn look, but will be what is seen through the cracks.
6. Test
I say this in all my home improvement articles because it is the absolute best policy. Test your materials; especially crackle paint on a piece of scrap wood or furniture to make sure it will give you the affect you want! Paint is expensive, and you may not want to waste any, but it is even more expensive and time consuming to redo a project from scratch.
7. Applying crackle
There are two different ways to apply crackle; you can either use a paint roller for an even approach or a paintbrush for a more uneven antique look. Do not liberally apply the crackle; you will end up with a weathered look that will look like it is in need of work rather than the stylish finish you intended.
8. Following directions
Some crackle requires the use of glue to be applied; however read the directions to figure out exactly what the products calls for. This is simply a warning so that the project comes out with intended results.
9. Applying the topcoat
There is nothing special about applying a topcoat while crackle painting; simple apply it and you will notice results when it dries.
10. Is crackle really good for an entire room or wall?
The simple truth is that if you try to use the crackle effect on an entire room and every piece of furniture that occupies the room you will notice that it will look very old instead of stylish. Be artful and creative of what you wish to crackle paint.
Sources:
Personal experience, worked for Ace Hardware store for multiple years
