| Crackle Finishes and Antiquing Hardware |
From "Refinishing"
episode DIF-105 |
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Crackling occurs naturally when the wood beneath an old, brittle finish expands and contracts because of fluctuations in temperature and humidity. If you like the look, you can create a crackle finish on a piece of new furniture. Begin by applying a base coat of acrylic paint to an unfinished piece (figure A). Let dry.
Apply crackle medium over the base coat with a brush (figure B). To create small cracks, use a thin coat. If you'd prefer larger cracks, apply a thicker coat.
After the crackle medium dries, paint over it with a top coat of a different color paint, using long, sweeping strokes (figure C). The process works best if the top coat is applied 2 to 4 hours after applying the crackle medium. When applying the top coat, avoid overlapping or re-stroking.
Hardware is often overlooked in the process of giving a reproduction an antique look. To darken shiny new brass or bronze hardware (figure D), brush on commercial antiquing solution. As it dries, the chemical solution will darken the metal. Once the metal has darkened, use a pad of extra-fine steel wool to distress any areas that you want to look worn.
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