Does anyone know how to get the chipped paint look?

15 years ago

So, I have a new favorite blog-- Knock Off Wood( knockoffwood.blogspot.com ). On this blog Ana gives plans to build simple furniture ~~ lots of Poverty Barn style things.

I know I can build some of this stuff myself (in my mind it will only take 10 minutes :-) but was wondering if anyone knows how to do a "chipped" paint finish?

Thanks!

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Comments (13)

dilly_dally
15 years ago
I don't know how professionals do it, but I do know that if you paint latex over oil it will "alligator". Even more so if the oil paint is gloss and the latex is flat. Then put a clear topcoat or two over it so it does not flake. Use a topcoat in matte not shiny. I don't know how well this would wear if done on a tabletop but it looks great for picture frames.
newdawn1895
15 years ago
You may want to ask ttodd.
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ttodd
15 years ago
Thanks Newdawn!

You can use a crackle medium found at any craft store or arts and crafts section.

Follow the directions on the bottle. A few quick tips for a realistic affect:

Only use it in a few spots on the furniture - not all over! No piece of furniture is cracked all over unless it's been setting out in all kinds of weather beside a chicken coup for about 100 yrs. But if that's the look you like then go for it!

The thicker you apply the medium the bigger and wider the cracks you get. The thinner you apply it the smaller the cracks.

Whichever direction that you brush the medium is the directions the craks will form.

To get a 'spiderweb' affect (meaning the cracks run in small different directions) dab the medium on w/ a stenciling brush.

Once the medium is dry, brush your topcoat over quickly. Do not brush over it again and again because that will 'muddle' everything up and you won't get cracks. Crackle medium is very subjective to moisture which leads me to:

Once you're topcoat is on, dry and cracks have formed you can lightly hit the spots w/ a spray bottle of water. That will cause the top coat to begin to lift off and when it is dry to the touch you can carefully lift off pieces of the topcaot w/ a toothpick or something to reveal the basecoat underneath. Seal it w/ a water tight clear topcoat when you are done.

Don't be afraid to experiment. It's only paint and it can always be repainted over. Some of the best techniques were found out by accident.

Good luck!
allison0704
15 years ago
There is also some type of "glue" that is better to use on furniture and larger pieces than the crackle stuff. Don't know the exact name, but I have Googled before and found. Two guys who have made several pieces of new "old" either from new wood or old said a piece I have (that is extremely convincing) was done with the "glue."
allison0704
15 years ago
Here's the piece. It's heavily distressed. Look closely to see the "alligator" cracking on the doors.

{{!gwi}}
ttodd
15 years ago
Okay - I MUST find out the name of that glue!!!!!!!
mary_lu_gw
15 years ago
I believe you can use Elmer's glue (or any white glue that turns clear when dry) or also a hide glue can be used.
4boys2
15 years ago
It's just Elmer's white glue...

Here is a link that might be useful: http://reviews.ebay.com/Easy-Cheap-Crackle-Finishes-Shabby-Chic-Furniture_W0QQugidZ10000000000025363
ttodd
15 years ago
Ooops - too late! I was putting DD's shoes on and Gesso popped into my head as a glue that was often referred to when I was doing furniture. I will def. check out that link - Thanks!
allison0704
15 years ago
Yes - hide glue. Thanks!
DLM2000-GW
15 years ago
ttodd before you get too excited about the glue...... humidity will reactivate either Elmers or Hide glue to some extent but Hide glue has a distinctive 'odor'. Besides that, neither one is as predictable as whatever crackle medium you are using and seemingly having good results with.
allison0704
15 years ago
Hmmm....I live in the south and have not had any problems with the piece. Maybe it's not hide glue. No idea. There is no odor, btw.

fwiw, I've used the crackle mediums available at Micheal's, but it's been awhile. I never had a trouble with it.

Just did a bit of Googling. Anyone ever used this? I bit more contrived that I like, but...

Here is a link that might be useful: Real Milk Paint - Natural Crackle Paint
neetsiepie
15 years ago
Oh wow...that is amazing. I was gifted a faux fireplace that had been in a house that suffered a fire. Then it was left outside, and when I went to wash the soot off (luckily it did not smell), most of the old paint washed off. I tried to sand the rest of the paint off, but it just smeared. I think it was still a bit damp.

Anyway, I painted over it with some pale green and want to get a lot of the green paint off, then maybe hit it with some glaze. It's got a lot of dentil molding and is really nice, but it NEEDS to be distressed finished. I will attempt to post a pic when I can download them off the camera.

I'm going to check out that blog for more inspiration. I hope someone can come up with a way to distress like that piece shown tho!