I have been hearing lots of buzz about using Elmer’s glue crackle finish for a piece of furniture.
It sounded pretty easy to do, so I asked my daughter if she still had Elmer’s glue in her stash of craft supplies.
Sure enough she did!
I have had this old mirror for several years.
And you all know how much I love a good crackled chippy patina.
So I thought it was about time I try this technique.
This is just plain old Elmer’s glue, not a special crackle finish.
It’s using Elmer’s glue and the technique that make this special.
I love the patina on the glass, but the paint on the frame was sort of blah.
So I took out my Heirloom Traditions paint in Blushing and painted one coat on the mirror frame.
I’m sort of impatient, so I took out my hairdryer to speed the drying process.
Once my paint was dry I took out my Elmer’s glue.
Using a foam brush I painted this on thick to my frame.
I was careful not to let this drip off the sides and onto my working surface.
And I also did not want this dripping on my mirror.
Again because I am not very patient I took out my hairdryer and dried the glue slightly, but not all the way.
The glue should still be wet when you apply the paint.
Now it’s time to add a coat on top of the glue.
Using a foam brush I applied a thick coat of paint.
The reason I am using foam brushes for this project is because I don’t want to ruin a good brush with the glue.
As you apply the paint don’t go back and fourth blending it.
This will start to crackle quickly, so you must work fast.
Just dip your brush into you paint making sure you have a good amount and apply it to your piece.
As you are working around the mirror it will start to crackle.
Pretty cool huh?
After it’s completely dry you can apply a dark wax, this will highlight the crackled finish and give it an aged patina.
I love using Muddy Pond from Heirloom Traditions.
It’s wonderful to work with, and I love the finish.
I didn’t wax my mirror yet because it’s still drying.
But let’s take a look at it now.
Isn’t this finish incredible!
And it’s super easy and cheap to do!
I took lot’s of close up shots.
When you shoot a mirror your often get the background images.
I wanted to share the details of this mirror and the amazing finish.
Doesn’t this patina on the glass and frame work perfectly together?
This crackled finish really looks old!
Sometimes it can look fake, but I think it looks pretty authentic, don’t you?
You can compare this finish on my mirror next to my vintage chippy door.
The chippy door has an authentic chippy patina.
Using Elmer’s glue to create a crackle finish is a wonderful alternative.
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I have been getting a lot of question lately on why I enjoy using Heirloom Traditions paint so much.
And why I think this paint is better than some of the other paints out on the market.
Because I have used many, as I have shared them here on the blog.
And here is my honest answer.
I was given some as a sample to try.
As soon as I tried it I noticed that the paint went on so smoothly.
Heirloom Traditions paint has no odors because it contains low V.O.C’s
In fact it cleans up easily with a little soap and water, because it’s water based.
I love how Heirloom Traditions paint dries fast, is easy to distress, and sticks to just about every surface.
And I have tried many surfaces already, glass, metal, fabric, wood, plastic.
This paint does not contain chalk.
That’s why it’s a “Chalk Type Paint”.
Heirloom Traditions is not a new paint company, the manufacturer has been around for 30 years!
In 2013 they came out with their Heirloom Traditions line.
They also have DIY line of paint, the colors were developed by Debi Beard.
Heirloom Tradtions is currently working on many new products, and I cannot wait to share.
I also love how supportive this company is with small businesses.
Sorry I rambled on , but I wanted you to know that if I am passionate about something and truly believe in it then I love to share.
Don’t you?
If you find an amazing product I bet you can’t wait to share it with all of your friends.
Well friends that’s why I am sharing it with you all.
And that’s why I became an affiliate.
I really do love creating with this paint!
My spring sale is coming up and I have so much to do.
Tomorrow I am going to share what I am working on today.
It’s sort of an important part of my sale.
See ya tomorrow!
WOW! I love it! I was so excited I ran down to my work room, found a piece of wood, my Elmer’s glue and paint and tried it! Holey Molie, it’s starting to dry and I can’t believe it! it looks more authentic then sanding.
Thanks for sharing and making our life easier!
Your welcome Arleen…isn’t this a fun technique!
Very cool, Anne! I also want to say I love the changes you’ve made to your blog!!
Isn’t this a cool technique! Thanks so much Jennifer! Lesley did a wonderful job!
what’s SO good. I am wondering if this paint is any retail stores….especially out here in Wyoming.
If I can find a retailer in your area Cheryl I will let you know 🙂
Always good to have excellent product to work with on your projects. Can relate to Cheryl in Wyoming where products aren’t always readily available. We’ve lived in MT and now rural CO where products are hard to come by often.
Paying for products can be difficult, let alone having to pay for s&h for paint. At least it is hard for us being on SS.
So glad to know how well paint you use is reliable and easy to use. Would love to try it some day.
Happy daze
Yes I understand JaneEllen.There may be a retailer in your area. I know of a few in rural areas in the US. If I find one I will let you know 🙂
I can’t wait to try this but, for now i will just pin it.Thank you Anne and i like your new picture and web a lot.
Thanks so much Marlene! This is a fun technique! For fun why not try it on a picture frame 🙂
Been awhile since I have used elmers glue to crackle… forgot how amazing it is. Thanks for reminding me. Amazing crackle Anne. I know it will be so pretty waxed.
Thanks so much Gee!
It also gives a whole different look (texture) when you let the elmer’s glue totally dry, then antique it only. I did an old dining room table about 12 years ago and it is still is one of my favorites! And it holds up great.
Yes it does Michele. Oh I bet your table looks amazing!
Where can one buy this precious gold? Meaning the heirloom paint? I live in nm
LOL you can purchase it online Mary Ann just click on the link on my sidebar 🙂
It’s a great effect isn’t it? I’m guessing that Elmers glue is what we in the UK call PVA – just ordinary white ‘school glue’. I love putting 1 contrasting colours together like I show in this post http://www.bigredbarn.co.uk/2015/02/crackle-glaze-ikea-hack/ but it doesn’t always come out how I want lol! x
Yes it sounds like the same thing! I know I will have fun using this technique Nikki! You did a beautiful job on yours!
I love the old crackle look. I want to do a mirror like this, but I also want to add sea shells. Should I add the shells before the crackle? Thank you for your blog and information. Linda
Linda did you want to shells to crackle with paint? If you do then I would do that first.Although it if you did this the crackle would hide the beautiful details on the shells.So I would crackle your mirror frame first, then add the sea shells.
I unders’d. How do we get that look and/or apply to get that look?
I understand the Elmers glue crackle trick, but you showed us pics of the mirror with it looking crackled/patina. How do we get that look?
Please advise.Tracey
Hi Tracey, it’s a chemical reaction with the glue and the paint. You paint your base coat, then you brush on the glue. While it’s still tacky, you paint another coat of paint on top of the glue. Then it will start to crackle 🙂
While reading your blog, I noticed that you said this paint does not contain chalk, but that it is a “Chalk Type Paint” can you please explain what this means as I am new to diy projects and I don’t know if I am supposed to use a chalk type paint or not.
This paint does not contain chalk.
That’s why it’s a “Chalk Type Paint”.
Thank you.
The paint that I use is from Heirloom Traditions paint. It’s not a chalk paint because it doesn’t contain plaster as most chalk paints do. But it adhere’s like a chalk paint and distresses like a chalk paint and that’s why it’s a chalk type paint 🙂
I’m really excited about this technique. We have some old windows we will be painting the panes with phrases and pictures to sell. They are old windows, but the paint looks new. This will add the perfect touch.