Crackle Paint

[Bamacruiser98]

Has anyone mastered restoring an old craftsman, Kennedy etc box in the crackle finish like they came from the factory? I've always wanted to that and I've had several boxes come and go that I probably would've resprayed if it would look perfect. I still have two I'd like to do that way so I'm hoping someone has the recipe by now, I have the equipment sans the correct spray tip I'm guessing.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Some time ago Adam Savage talked about crackle finishes in one of his videos. I think he used PJ1 epoxy paint, then heated it with a torch while it was drying - I may have that all wrong, but if you go to his Tested YouTube channel and do a search you can probably find it. PJ1 paint is black but I'd think you could dust over it with some other color and still have the texture finish.

 

[BurtEggley]

we used to use the spray can crackle paint on some certain high end import valve covers, and they turned out good. I don't know what brands are out there now but follow the directions exactly.

 

[Craig Balzer]

VHT offers Wrinkled Spray Paint cans in various colors.
Typically available through Summit or Eastwood.

 

[georgiadave]

I get better results when I heat the part to be sprayed beforehand.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

I think Harley makes some for their bikes.

 

[karoc]

I also used that crackle paint, on couple of my Kennedy tool boxes. For most part it did look good. But there was areas that I was either to close or to far. You could tell difference, so I would say practice few times. As on anything that’s being painted, prep is everything

 

[aka Larry]

I've never heard it called "crackle paint", but I've used VHT "wrinkle paint" a few times with varying results. From what I've seen/read since doing mine, using heat gun after spraying increases the wrinkle effect making it more even.

Here's a project I did using wrinkle paint. I made a desk lamp for friend of mine from a old valve cover. This one turned out great.

 

[zimman]

Hammered paint looks the part. I use it on all my sheet metal stuff. Available at Wally's.
Zim

 

[CraigStu]

My first choice for car parts is Rustoleum Hammered rattle can paint. Love that stuff but it is a slightly different look compared to the wrinkle or crackle paint.