How to Create Crackle Finish

Crackle finish is a technique to create a distressed, aged look of peeling paint and is widely seen in shabby chic decor.

We're going to show you how to create a crackle finish on a picture frame.

 
Supplies

• A Frame
• Acrylic Paints
• Delta Ceramcoat Crackle
• Paintbrush

All supplies used for this project can be found at our Bonney Lake store.

Before

1.  Remove the glass and back from the frame.

2.  Use the paintbrush to apply two coats of the acrylic paint.

3.  Set aside to let it dry.

4.  Once dry, apply a coat of Ceramcoat Crackle Finish.

Have Elmer's Glue? You can also create a crackle finish by using Elmer's Glue in place of Ceramcoat Crackle Finish.

5.  When the finish is tacky, apply acrylic paint over the crackle finish. Do not let the finish dry before applying the acrylic paint.

Within minutes, your paint will begin to crackle.

After

To create a more dramatic effect, start off with a contrasting base like a bright or dark color. Apply the crackle finish or Elmer's Glue, then paint a very light color over the top, like white or cream. When the paint crackles, the base color will pop against the light top coat. 

The top coat is cream and the base is brown.