Crackle Finishing: how
to
With the
current trend of
home decor being
shabby-chic, its
no wonder
everyone loves
the look of
crackle
finishes.
Crackle finishes
can change not
only the look
and feel of
everything from
flower pots, to
picture frames,
to various
pieces of
furniture, but
they can also
change the
dynamics of the
walls of a room
by creating the
illusion of
depth.
Crackle finish
is a faux
painting
technique, which
is used to give
walls or pieces
of furniture an
aged,
peeling-paint
look. This
technique is
easy to do and
can be
accomplished by
most beginners.
The entire
project can be
completed in
about four easy
steps. Whether
you are a
professional or
a beginner to
the world of
painting, you
can master the
art of crackle
finishing.
The numbers of
materials needed
for this type of
project are very
few. The only
limit to this
project is your
imagination.
This is a fun;
creative, and
inexpensive way
to way to spruce
up your home.
Think of all of
the items that
are found in
your home; you
know that there
are things that
would look
awesome with a
bit of the aged
painting look.
When you are
ready to begin
applying the
crackle finish
to your
furniture or
walls, you will
want to make
sure that you
have the
appropriate
tools and
materials to
make your
project flow a
little easier.
There are not a
lot of materials
needed.
Basically, what
you will need
includes:
* Latex wall
paints
(preferably
satin finish one
base coat, one
top coat)
* Crackle finish
or white glue
(available at
craft stores)
* Paint brush,
roller
* Masking tape
Step 1 -
Using your
roller, apply
one layer of
base coat to
your walls.
Allow paint to
dry at least 8
hours or
overnight if
possible. Choose
a color that is
visually
appealing as
this is the
color that will
show through the
"cracked"
topcoat. It is
recommended that
you choose paint
colors that
contrast well.
Step 2 -
Use the masking
tape to declare
"off limits"
areas where you
do not want the
crackle finish.
Working one
section at a
time, apply the
crackle finish
to the walls.
The finish
resembles clear
glue with a
paint-like
consistency.
Allow to dry -
generally 30
minutes to 1
hour - or as the
manufacturer
recommends.
Step 3 -
Once dry,
immediately
apply the
topcoat,
starting in one
corner of the
room and working
quickly. Be sure
to load the
brush with
enough paint to
cover each
section in one
motion. The
crackling will
begin
immediately so
be sure to avoid
applying too
much paint and
over-blending
which will erase
the cracks.
Continue this
way until the
entire wall is
finished and
allow to dry.
Step 4 -
Remove the
masking tape,
clean out your
brushes, stand
back and enjoy
the fruits of
your labor.
Of course, if
you are running
short on time,
or you are not
crafty, you can
always let a
professional
take over the
job. You can buy
items that
already have the
crackle finish
applied, from
tables and
chairs to
cabinets and
everything in
between. Pieces
with the crackle
finish can
really make a
difference in
the look of your
current décor.
