WHAT IS IT? A layer of varnish or paint that cracks as it dries.
WHY CRACKLE? To lend a surface an aged appearance. The fine cracks mimic the patina you might find on an old painting, porcelain glaze or antique furniture.
WHAT OBJECTS CAN BE CRACKLED? Basically anything. Wooden furniture, decorative panels, architectural features—even glass and metal.
HOW IS IT DONE? Typically, an oil varnish is applied over a stained or painted surface, followed by a special water-based varnish. This second coat dries at a different rate than the first, and it cracks. Paint can be spread over the cracked layer and sanded off with a fine steel wool in order to make the cracks stand out more. In another version of crackling, special paint is applied over a contrasting paint color, yielding a rougher cracked surface.
WILL CRACKLING COMPROMISE DURABILITY? No. Because the piece is sealed with varnish beforehand, moisture will not seep through and cause damage.
CAN I DO IT MYSELF? There are kits and paints (Krylon makes one) that work well if you just want to replicate the look of cracked paint. However, to achieve a faux patina on a varnish you should hire a professional.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? Good crackling does not come cheap. Expect to pay $200 to $300 to have a 2' x 2' x 2' end table in decent condition stripped, stained and crackled.
