Crackle Painting a Wooden Bowl
Faux painting can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary!
Crackle painting saved my sanity...well at least it saved my bookshelves...from scratches and piles of stuff! I needed a landing place for my husband's keys, watch, and loose change that he turns out of his pockets every day when he gets home. He used to pile it all on a bookshelf. It drove me crazy, and was a pain to dust around. Then I found this wooden bowl and my problems were solved. Well...almost. The bowl was pretty plain, and of course, I couldn't leave it that way! I wanted something pretty, but quick and easy, so I could get that stuff off the bookshelf. The crackle paint technique is one of my favorite faux painting techniques. The effect is so dramatic, yet this project is so simple and fast. The only hard part is waiting for the paint to dry! You'll want to make two or three and give them away as gifts, That is, if you don't keep them, and put them all over the house to corral your stray clutter! If you've never used the crackle paint technique before, read Crackle Painting Tips before you start.
To start painting your own bowl you will need:- wooden bowl - mine was already finished, but you could use an unfinished wooden bowl, and just paint it inside and out first. My bowl was brown with a black rim.
- fine grade sandpaper
- crackle finish - I like Ceramcoat crackle medium
- acrylic paint - I used Aleene's Premium dusty sage
- 1 inch sponge brush
- spray acrylic finish - I used Plaid Clear Acrylic in matte finish
Note: You see stickers in the photo above, because I first thought I would add them after painting. Afterwards, I liked the crackle paint technique so well, I decided it didn't need anything else. But you could add stickers, after the paint dries thoroughly, and before the spray finish.
How to Crackle Paint Your Bowl
The first step is to lightly sand the bowl. If it already has a finish on it, you just want to take the sheen off, so the paint will stick. Wipe all dust off after sanding.
If your bowl is of unfinished wood, you will need to paint a background color first, and allow it to dry.Next you will apply your crackle medium. Read this tips and techniques article first. Also check the instructions on your bottle of crackle finish, as they can vary slightly from brand to brand. Start at the bottom of the inside of the bowl, brushing the crackle finish on with the sponge brush. Work your way in a spiral all the way up to the inside edges of the bowl.
Unless you plan to paint the rim, leave it plain. If you get a little finish on the rim, just wipe it off with a damp paper towel.Let the crackle finish dry for the recommended time on your bottle, usually about 15 - 40 minutes. My bowl took a while, probably because it already had a finish on it. You only want to wait until it's a little tacky or it won't crack.
Next, apply your acrylic paint, using the same technique. Start at the bottom and spiral your way up. Don't go over one area more than once or twice, or you'll start pulling the paint back up.
After letting the bowl dry completely, preferably overnight, spray with acrylic spray finish. Don't spray one heavy coat. Instead use two or three light coats so it doesn't run. It dries very quickly, usually only requiring about 15 minutes between coats.I love the way this faux painting technique gives an instant aged look!
You could use your crackle painted bowl for so many things (except food!). Use it in the bathroom to store rolled-up hand towels. In the living room it could hold the TV remote...I'm sure you can think of more uses! If you liked this crackle paint technique, you might like to try a Painted Wood File Box.
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