How to use Cheap White School Glue as a Paint Crackler

I have used the store bought crackle medium to crackle my quilt rack a couple years age.I love the look but hate the price . One pint of crackle was 25 dollars or more.That is more than I want to pay .I would spend  to much to crackling my walls. I love the old look and plan on crackling (mildly) the walls in my craft/sewing room. So I set out to find a homemade crackle. Never in a million years did  I think it was so easy or cheap as white school glue!!I didn't think it would work at first so I tested it out .IT WORKS!!
I did a wounderful job and I was thrilled! I wanted to share this simple Tut with you so you can see how easy it is.


First thing to do is decide what color you want to show through the cracks .
I just used what I had at the time .A mix of white and dark pink flat craft paint.
The materials needed are:
White school glue (Elmer's or any cheap white glue)
Paint brushes
White paint (or color you want for top coat)
A container to put paint in
Water

Paint your bottom coat (the one you want to show through the cracks) and allow to completely dry.



White craft paint (flat) Cheap white glue

 Repair your paint ahead of time by  using 2 parts white paint (or your color for top coat) to 1 part water.

I added water  because I wanted it to be milky looking ,but you can skip the water and just use it like it is .
Set paint aside till needed.



Painting glue onto table



Take the white glue and  squeeze it on to the surface (if painting a wall  put glue in bowl and paint on.)
The thickness of glue will determine the size of the crack.Experiment with the glue to see which you like best.
Paint in on direction with glue for best results.
Allow the glue to get tacky.DO NOT allow glue to dry or it will be a crumbly mess when you paint over it.






top coat

 Now load your  brush with paint and paint in same direction as the glue.
Load paint often and try to paint with as little pressure as possible.Painting with a heavy hand will drag the glue and it ruins the effect.






crackling before my eyes

 after painting all you project let dry completely . Never touch the paint before it is dry or it will ruin it .(I know this because my daughter couldn't help but touch it )

You will see the cracks appear as the paint drys

The  images below show you how great this crackle looks.



sewing table as it dries



After paint is dry completely I like to do a white wash so it is blended a little more. Just water and paint .Load  a brush and dab it on a cloth or paper towel till you have gotten most of the paint off .Then dry paint over Cracks.This is totally up to you I just like the look more this way



Dry wash

 After project is completely dry you can add a clear sealer (if flat paint) .



kitchen wall

 Here are examples of crackle



Wall

 


sewing table



Important !!Work in small sections at a time .If you try to do this all at once your glue will dry on you and it will be a  big mess. So go slow if you have a big project in mind.The reward will be well worth it when you see the fantastic job you did!


Remember as always Do what you love and have fun doing it!!