DIY Cracked & Grody Furniture Finish Perfect For Textured Pieces!
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
Are you ready to transform your furniture into a stunning, vintage-inspired piece?
In this tutorial, Amy Howard walks us through creating a "Double Oreo Cookie" cracked patina finish—a textured, layered, and chippy look that's perfect for furniture pieces with detail and depth.
This technique is ideal for items like consoles and nightstands, adding that rich, weathered charm of antiques.
Here's how you can achieve this look step by step!
Materials You’ll Need:
- English Walnut Gel Stain
- Bauhaus Buff One Step Paint
- Atelier One Step Paint
- A Good Man Is Hard to Find One Step Paint
- Cracked Patina
- Clean Slate
- 220-Grit Sandpaper
- Light Wax
- Dark Wax
- Dust of Ages
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood
Start with a raw wood surface. If you're working with a piece that’s already stained, clean it with Clean Slate to remove any residue and ensure proper adhesion.
Step 2: Apply Gel Stain
Using a rag, apply the English Walnut Gel Stain to your piece. This will be the base that adds depth to the final finish. Make sure to wipe off any excess and allow the stain to dry for about an hour.
Step 3: Apply Cracked Patina
Once the stain is dry, apply a thin coat of Cracked Patina using a sponge or chip brush. For a thinner crack, dilute the patina with warm water. Make sure to brush in one direction to avoid “holidays,” or missed spots. Let the Cracked Patina dry for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 4: First Layer of Paint
Once the Cracked Patina is dry (but still tacky), apply a layer of Bauhaus Buff One Step Paint. Work quickly and in sections, ensuring you cover the entire surface. As the paint begins to dry, you will start to see cracks forming.
Step 5: Create Texture
As the Bauhaus Buff paint dries and starts cracking, use your fingers to gently rub and lift areas of paint, exposing the stain beneath. This will create the chippy texture. If your hands get too saturated with paint, clean them with water before continuing.
Step 6: Lightly Sand the Surface
Once the Bauhaus Buff layer has dried and cracked, lightly sand the surface using 220-Grit Sandpaper to smooth it out. This will prepare the surface for the next layer of Cracked Patina.
Step 7: Apply a Second Coat of Cracked Patina
Apply another thin coat of Cracked Patina over the Bauhaus Buff layer. Let it dry for about an hour.
Step 8: Second Layer of Paint
Now, apply a coat of Atelier One Step Paint over the Cracked Patina. Work quickly and in sections, just like with the first layer. As it starts to crack, gently rub and lift areas to expose the Bauhaus Buff layer and the gel stain underneath.
Step 9: Apply Final Layer of Cracked Patina
Once the second layer is dry, lightly sand the surface again and apply one last coat of Cracked Patina. Allow it to dry before moving on to the final color.
Step 10: Final Layer of Paint
For the final layer, use A good Man Is Hard to Find One Step Paint. Just as before, apply the paint quickly, wait for the cracks to appear, and then rub and lift the paint in areas to reveal the beautiful layers beneath.
Step 11: Seal and Add Dimension
Once the paint has fully dried and cracked, it's time to seal the finish and add depth:
- Apply Light Wax using a dedicated wax brush. Allow it to set for 20 minutes.
- Apply Dark Wax around the edges and in carved areas to create an aged look.
- Once the wax has come to tack, apply Dust of Ages. Brush it into crevices and buff the surface with a lint-free rag to reveal a beautiful, vintage patina.
Final Thoughts
The Double Oreo Cookie Cracked Patina Finish is a showstopper that will have people asking, "How did you do that?" It’s the perfect way to give furniture a high-end, antique look with layers of rich texture and color. Try it on your next project and enjoy the bragging rights!
For all the products mentioned in this tutorial, visit Amy Howard at Home and start creating your own stunning finishes today!
