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HOw to | paint | crackle finish
crackle finish

The look of paint that seems to have crackled over the years, allowing other colors to peek through, is a popular rustic finish for walls, cabinets, and furniture.

Tools + Materials

  • latex paint in two colors
  • paintbrush, sponge, or roller
  • crackle medium



    1. Apply a base coat of latex paint in the color that you want to show through the cracks. Let dry.
    2. Apply a coat of crackle medium, a liquid product that you can find at home centers or paint and crafts stores. Allow the medium to cure, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    3. Apply a top coat of latex paint with a paintbrush, sponge, or roller. For large furniture pieces or expanses of wall, this process is easier if you have a helper and can break the job into sections that you quickly cover with crackle and paint. You’ll see the finish crackle as the top coat goes on. Work quickly and don’t recoat, which can disturb the crackle.
    4. Allow the paint to dry at least eight hours, then apply a coat of water-base polyurethane to protect the finish, if desired.
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