Crackle Paint Fireplace Mantel

In my earlier fireplace post I told you how I HATED my fireplace. The second picture shows how it looked originally. The third picture shows my attempt to hand painting the bricks to match a brick color I liked. It turned out better than the original brick but I still hated it. So I asked for some advice from my friend Lisa whom you will meet in a future post.

She said why don't you crackle the mantel. I said "why not!" So I went down to Lowes and bought Weathered Crackle Glaze and two paint colors. I asked the lady there how to do this correctly

Basically the instructions were:
1. Paint the base coat in a satin or semi-gloss finish. (I chose an off white color). Allow to dry 4 hrs or overnight. I didn't have that much patience so I waited the 4 hours.

2. Paint the Crackle Glaze on using a nylon brush or short nap roller. (I used a nylon brush) I found it easier to paint a few thin layers rather than trying to paint on too thick of a layer all at once.
                                                     
3. Allow the crackle to dry 1-4 hours before applying the top coat.The longer you wait the larger the cracks will be. I waited 2 hours.

 

"Original"

     
4. Apply the top coat with a Matte finish paint. Use a slow smooth one direction brush stroke.(I used valspar Labrador color) If you brush it back and forth it will pull away the paint so be sure to use one direction brush strokes in order to achieve a smooth paint job. The cracks will appear in a matter of seconds.
     
   It may sound difficult but this was my first attempt and it turned out great. Just be patient and make short strokes in one direction stopping frequently to reload your brush with paint.

"First Redo"

                   The bricks were painted the same off-white as the base                      color on the mantel but I glazed the bricks with a little bit                        of the Labrador Brown  using a small artist paint brush as                        well as a rag. This process was not difficult at all, you                              just have to work with it until you achieve the look you want.