How to Crackle the Concrete

Wash the concrete wall thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure that it is free of dirt, grease, glue and other impediments that will interfere with the paint adhering to it properly. Let the wall dry completely.

Choose two colors of latex paint, knowing that the first color is the one that will show through the cracks. Put another way, the second coat will be the more dominant color. Keep in mind that contrasting colors may work best, as different tones of the same color may be too subtle.

Apply two coats of the base color, allowing the paint to dry between coats.

Apply an even coat of the acrylic crackle medium, brushing it on in one direction for consistency. The thickness of this layer is critical to the outcome: The thicker the coat, the thicker the cracks; the thinner the coat, the more subtle and fractured the cracks. Allow the medium to dry thoroughly.

Apply one even coat of the second paint, working in the same direction as you applied the crackle medium. Work with a well-loaded brush, as you shouldn’t go over the surface more than once. You will begin to see the cracks in the paint form almost immediately to expose the first coat of paint.

Watch as the second coat of paint dries and exposes even more cracks in the paint. Use a hair dryer, if you wish, to speed up the process, knowing that the heat will accelerate, not change, the outcome.

Highlight the cracks further, if you wish, by mixing a 50-50 solution of acrylic paint and water. Rub the solution into the cracks and then quickly remove any excess with a clean cloth. This technique is especially effective if you want to create an antique or aged appearance.