Crackling provides an aged and weathered effect on furniture, doors or trim that works in conjunction with vibrant floral patterns to create a shabby-chic décor.

With new products available through paint suppliers and home and garden centers the crackling effect is simple to accomplish.

First, determine the area of item that you want to crackle and the prominent colors in the room that you are decorating with the shabby chic style.

Select an acrylic or latex paint that is the primary color that you want to expose through the crackle effect. This color should be bright and vibrant. For crackling many designers select primary colors such as red, yellow, green or blue to use on the undercoating for the crackling project.

Paint the entire surface of the item or surface to be crackled and allow to dry.

Purchase a crackling paint, (usually found in a spray) from your local hardware store or home center. Spray the entire surface that you want to have the crackling effect.

Allow the crackling paint to completely dry. Be careful not to brush or sponge this top crackling paint, as attempting to work with the surface prior to drying will stop the crackling paint from crackling altogether.

Once the crackling paint is dry, and the surface is sufficiently crackled , you can apply a clear topcoat of acrylic paint to protect the surface of your crackling project.

Professional designers recommend that if you begin a crackling project with one item in a room, it is advisable to crackle other items as well so that the shabby chic effect remains consistent throughout the décor.