Olde Crackle Technique - Step by Step

1. Prepare the surface by masking areas to paint.
2. Mix satin latex enamel base coat with a paint conditioner following manufacturers directions. Apply to the surface. Let dry.
3. Apply the crackle coat using a brush for the small spaces and a roller for large areas. Depending on the temperature, humidity, air movement, and paint thickness, the crackle medium may need to dry for a few hours to several days. Ideally, the top coat should be applied within two hours after you coat the surface with the crackle medium.
4. Apply the flat latex top coat in the direction you want the elongated cracks to appear. For fine cracks, brush the top coat sparingly. For bold cracks, apply a liberal layer.

Variations on a theme
Vary base and top color to yield one-of-a-kind results. If your base and top coats are close in color, you'll achieve a textured effect. The contrast between a black base coat and a white top coat yields a dramatic crackle look.

Tool List for the Olde Crackle Technique