Crackling

This finish gives new items an heirloom look. A thick coat will yield large cracks, while a thin coat will yield small cracks. Sponged-on paint will yield tiny cracks, like those found on old china.

• a piece of furniture that allows the crackling finish to stand out, such as a wood picture frame or a raised-panel door
• sandpaper
• tack cloth
• liquid crackling medium
• acrylic paint in a dark color for the base coat and a light color for the top coat
• paintbrushes
• antiquing medium or diluted brown paint (optional)

1. Sand the wood so that it's smooth and all of the finish is removed. Wipe clean with a tack cloth.

2. Paint the piece with one or two coats of the darker base color and let dry. Then apply the crackling medium using long, smooth, even strokes. If you miss a spot, touch up only that spot immediately. Streaks and uneven spots should develop as the paint dries.