Use Titebond Genuine Hide Glue to create an antique finish on your projects.

Bottles of Titebond Liquid Hide natural hide glue in a workshop

Titebond Genuine Hide Glue can be used to create a crackle finish. This process can give furniture and many other items an antique appearance, making almost anything look distinctively aged. When latex paint is applied over dried Titebond Genuine Hide Glue, the glue absorbs much of the moisture from the paint. As the paint dries, this added moisture causes the hide glue to swell or expand. The expanding glue cracks the upper paint layer, producing the crackle effect.Examples of crackle paint effects on wood

Instructions

  1. A crackle finish can be created on almost any surface. Wood gives the best results, although the process also works on metal, glass, rubber and plastic. Some surfaces may require a sealing coat.
    Choose two colours of latex paint. Water-based paint must be used, and one colour should be lighter than the other. Choose one as the base colour. The top coat will be the dominant colour of the finished item.
  2. Apply the first colour and allow it to dry thoroughly. This colour will show through the cracks.
  3. Apply a thick, even coat of Titebond Genuine Hide Glue, covering the entire item. Allow it to dry completely. Drying may take up to 12 hours, depending on humidity.
  4. Once the Titebond Genuine Hide Glue is dry, apply the second coat of water-based paint. Do not overlap brushstrokes: the crackle effect will not form in overlapping areas. The effect should appear immediately.
  5. Allow the paint to dry.
  6. Apply a waterproof top coat that is NOT water-based.

Decorative vase with a crackle paint effectGeneral tips

  • „Titebond Genuine Hide Glue“ klijus galima skiesti vandeniu. Nerekomenduojame klijus skiesti daugiau nei 50% nuo tūrio ar masės. Kuo labiau klijai praskiedžiami, tuo mažesni „įskilimai“ susidarys ant užbaigtos detalės.
  • Glue adheres less readily to a glossy or semi-gloss base coat. Sanding the surface can improve adhesion.
  • Practise with paints from different manufacturers before applying the finish to your chosen item.
  • Remember that 100 grams of Titebond Genuine Hide Glue covers approximately 0.65 square metres.
  • Be creative and enjoy the process!