Crackle Finish

Decorative painter Marie McGehee shows how apply a faux crackle finish application to a cabinet and shares her techniques for aging wood.

Crackle Technique:

1. If wood is unfinished, apply one coat of latex paint to surface with any color of your liking.
2. Mix Hyde glue (available in most hardware stores) with hot water in a bowl until it becomes a thick, soupy consistency.
3. Using a paintbrush, apply glue mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface. Let glue dry until it is slightly tacky to the touch.
4. Apply another coat of latex paint evenly onto the glue surface. Brush on, brushing "into" the already-painted areas so as not to "pull" the crackle. (Surface will begin to crackle as the air hits it.) Let dry overnight.

Aging Technique:

1. Mix together Antiquing Liquid, Instant Colorant and turpentine or mineral spirits (about equal parts), until mixture becomes a soupy consistency.
2. Using another paintbrush, brush over the top of the crackle surface. Cover all the surface. This will create a matte finish, not a sheen. Let dry 24 hours before setting any objects on this surface.

Also in this Episode

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-126
•	Crackle Finish
•	Seasonal Decorating
•	Etched Windows
•	Paint Can Tip