not any crackle will do

the experience with the crackle paint technique on the dresser was yet another learning experience. i have done some crackle before ... on small projects.

needless to say, i ended up having to do several areas of it twice. so, now i feel like a professional ;-)

the first time around, i followed the directions on the can including using a 1/4" nap roller to apply and letting it dry for an hour before adding the top coat.
talk about some shitty results!

on the second attempt, i had to sand the bad spots down, reapply the base coat and again apply the crackle paint - which again went on with the roller and a thin coat, because i wanted smaller cracks and lastly the top flat coat.
The two big differences that i did the second time around and which proved to be more successful for me were:
1. i let it dry for an hour and half or more.
2. i thinned down my top coat paint with water before applying.

i'm not thrilled with the results, but i'm happier with the second attempt than the first attempt. a coat or two of varnish, a few cord holes to be drilled in the back, attach the hardware and i think it might be ready for prime time tv.

then i s'pose i'll have to try to make the coffee table match the entertainment center and then the end tables and then the ...

i hate this house.