How to Crackle Paint Furniture
Crackling paint on furniture involves allowing an undercoat of paint to show through cracks in the top layer of paint. These coats of paint are usually two different colors, creating an old, worn-out look. This look has become popular because of its cozy country feel. Creating a crackling paint effect takes several steps and coats of paint, but is well worth the effort.
Things you will need:
- Electric sander
- Latex primer
- Paint in base color
- Paintbrushes
- Paint in top color
- Elmer’s school glue
- Bowl
- Paint pans
- Sand down the furniture you will be painting. Use a coarse-grit sandpaper to rough up the surfaces so the primer and paint will adhere to it. Use an electric sander for quick, easy work.
- Apply one coat of latex primer. Use small and even strokes, starting in the middle and working your way out. Allow the coat to dry completely. Refer to the instructions on the container for recommended drying times.
- Apply a second coat of primer, if desired. Generally, a second coat is needed if the wood is porous and the first coat has set in a little. Allow the second coat to dry completely.
- Paint one layer of the paint you have chosen for the base color. This is the color that will show through the cracks in the top layer. This layer is usually a darker color or complimentary to the top coat. Latex paint works best for painting furniture. Allow this layer to dry.
- Mix regular Elmer’s school glue with a little water in a bowl. Add just enough water to make the glue paint consistency.
- Apply the glue and water mixture on top of the base coat of paint using a clean paintbrush. Apply a relatively thick layer. Let the glue dry almost all the way, but is still slightly sticky.
- Mix the paint you have chosen for your top color with some of the Elmer’s glue. Make a mixture of two parts paint to one part glue.
- Apply the paint mixture on top of the layer of almost-dry Elmer’s glue. Paint lightly and in one direction. Do not go over areas twice. Do not worry if the paint is not perfect; it will add to the old weathered look.
- Allow the top coat to dry completely. As it dries, the Elmer’s glue will constrict and bring the top layer of paint with it. The paint will have reduced elasticity and will crack and break apart as it dries.