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Painting Techniques Cracking Paint that has been exposed to weather or left for long periods in an abandoned house often cracks in an interesting random pattern. Base Coat: National Trust Matt , National Scumble Glaze . Medium Coat : National Cracking Media Finish Coat :National Trust Matt , National Eggshell Steps: Apply the base coat and let it dry for 2 days, or as needed. With the foam brush, apply an even coat of Cracking Media . Let it dry as directed ( 2- 4 hrs). The medium coat is clear, so it does not change the base-coat color. If you look closely, you will see cracks in the dry surface. Apply the top coat of paint with a clean foam brush, brushing in one direction only. The paint will crackle as you apply it. Work from top to bottom in the longest possible stroke; try not to overlap previously brushed areas when adding consecutive sections. Brush in the direction of the wood grain. If your surface has multiple components, such as rails and stiles, be sure to rotate the brush. The completed surface is covered with irregularly cracked paint. At this point you should seal the surface with recommended product. Tips: When the wet paint overlaps, it lifts from the surface and creates smears. If you apply the top coat with a roller instead of a brush, the crackling will be finer than it is when the paint is brushed on. Be careful not to re-roll the paint as you apply it. For more antique look, apply to coats of amber shellac after the top coat has dried. Let the shellac dry between coats.