Help, I need to make paint crackle

Question

Trying to achieve a look like this picture. I've tried elmers glue between two layers of paint, achieved very little crackle. Please help me!

Kimberly C · Answer

Threre is a crackle medium out there, I bought mine at Home Depot.

Handy Helen · Answer

A paint store or Home Depot will have crackling medium. However it is VERY important to read the directions before buying your 2 paint colors. Most crackle mediums require absolute flat paint or the product doesn't work right at all. Good luck!

Mary Insana · Answer

I also suggest using a crackle medium also. Have you already used the glue on your
 piece? You may need to sand it a little before using the crackle medium so the underlying paint and glue doesn't affect a new product you may use.

Handy Helen · Answer

To add to that, have you ever considered roughing with sand paper, using glaze to age, etc.? Just a thought. That piece is enviable!!

Porta Verde Studio · Answer

Hey Liz, apparently if you used latex paint, it doesn't work with DIY crackle medium - it has to be acrylic paint. Here is a step by step from a faux finisher that might be helpful: http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/crackle-paint/index.html By the way, how did you do with those coffee tables?

Shabby Paints · Answer

Liz if you can't get it worked out and want to try an easy to use non toxic crackle email me and I'll send you a free sample of our furniture fracture. We haven't got our labels in yet if you don't mind the plain jar :) shannon@shabbypaints.com

Wanda.ll · Answer

You can use Horse hide glue too. My mom used that for years. Now don't know where you get it.I'm sure someone does. Mother was a craft person before craft was the name. It was do it yourself back in the 50's. We did use something called crackle it back in the 70's but that sure would be expensive for a large project. All it is , is a reaction to the paint with the glue.

Elaine Simmons · Answer

I have only used latex paint and never have had a problem crackling. I agree with Wanda, hide glue works pretty well. It is a little harder to control than the crackling medium. You can find hide glue at any home improvement store. I did a cabinet in it if you would like to see the picture.

Lou · Answer

I recommend readily available crackle spray or brush on paint. Hobby Lobby sells this product.

Reposhture Studio - Kim · Answer

vaseline! brush on where you want the crackle let dry a bit. carefully paint your paint over the peice and you will see some good resist happen.

Karen Mortimore · Answer

the amount of glue used can have an affect on the size of cracks, but sorry I don't remember if it's thicker or thinner for the larger cracks . I found this on You Tube... hope it helps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGWWuOBajwI

Neita Young · Answer

@Wanda.II, there was another product called Decoupage It that went with the Crackle It but I can't find them anymore, do you know if they are still available?

Melinda · Answer

I used a Crackle from Lowes. And I did use a Satin Red on top. http://simplebutfabulous.blogspot.com

Chris aka monkey · Answer

personally i think getting a crackle finish is one of the hardest paint techniques i hope you find a solution that piece is wonderful xx

Sherrie · Answer

I have never had a problem with Elmer's glue crackling any paint. But you have to use it right.
First everything has to be horizontal, it is vertical it doesn't seem to work as well or at all.
Paint the piece you want the color that shows through the crackle. Make sure it's dry. Paint on the Elmer's Glue, immediately paint the next color. Do not take your brush back and forth it is a one swipe deal. If your keep going over the glue it will not crackle. Working it in small sections is easier for me. Hope this helps.

Ramona Taylor · Answer

Thank you for asking this question!  I used Folk Art crackle medium & satin paint (I added a few drops of water to the paint) put it on 2 different shelves and got the most beautiful crackle, I was beyond giddy.  So I didn't think twice about doing it again, this time on a big project, same paint, same crackle medium, same weather/temp, same process.....but no crackle!  I was so disappointed!  I'm not sure why it's so hit & miss.

Diena Cameron · Answer

Hey Liz, i realize this is an old post but happen to see it at the bottom of a post thats on hometalk right now. The guys video gives you two different household products/recipes and techniques and he is very precise, easy and fun to follow. His blog is called Craftsman finishes, don't know if anyone has turned you on to him or not but hope it helps if you haven't found any yet ! .)

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