Crackle Paint Finish

Have you ever seen a piece of antique furniture where the paint has a crackling effect that looks rough but is a beautiful at the same time? This look has become a desirable form of patina in the antique community. If only there was a way to create this effect that didn’t take a hundred years…Well, you’re in luck! Bob Behnke, an adhesives expert from Franklin International (Titebond), stopped by to visit with George in his shop. One of the topics that they explored was how to produce a crackle paint finish using Titebond Hide Glue.

Some of the questions on this process that Bob and George address include:

How many coats of hide glue should I use for crackle paint?

You might think that more is better, but that is not always the case. Varying the thickness of the hide glue base can have an effect on the finish, and Bob describes what you can expect.

How dry should the hide glue be for crackle paint?

It might seem appropriate to apply the paint over the hide glue while the adhesive is still wet so that the materials can dry together to produce a reaction. Bob will explain how the reaction works, and what level of dryness should be targeted to produce the maximum effect.

How important is it to get the perfect paint coverage?

Normally when you paint you want to ensure complete coverage, and even applying additional coats as needed to complete the surface. You will need to rethink some of your painting knowledge

How can I lock in the crackle?

Once you produce the crackle, you might assume that it is permanent and will retain that look forever. Bob and George will explain how to lock in the crackle so that the beauty endures.

If the crackle paint process intrigues you, perhaps you would be interested in exploring a WWGOA class on Finishing Essentials.