Give Your Projects a Unique, Textured Finish with Montana CRACKLE EFFECT Spray
Looking to add an eye-catching, distressed finish to your DIY projects? Montana Cans has just introduced four exciting new colors in their CRACKLE EFFECT line: Yellow Cab, Begonia Pink, Rich Lilac, and Blue Denim. These vibrant shades are perfect for creating a bold, textured surface that mimics the look of aged, cracked paint, adding a touch of vintage charm to any project.
The Montana CRACKLE EFFECT Spray works by creating a crackled finish over a prior coating, bringing texture and character to your objects. We’ll show you how we used these new colors to transform a set of desk drawers and pencil holders with a stylish, colorful, crackled look.
Materials You’ll Need
- Montana CRACKLE EFFECT Spray (Yellow Cab, Begonia Pink, Rich Lilac, Blue Denim)
- Montana GOLD Line Spray (matching shades for the base coat)
- Montana Universal Primer
- Desk drawer
- Pencil holders
- Sandpaper
- Drop sheets
- Gloves and mask
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Surface
Before applying any paint, ensure your drawers are sanded down to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Wipe off any dust or debris to keep your workspace clean. Next, apply a coat of Montana Universal Primer to the drawers, ensuring it dries completely before moving on to the next step. The primer provides a solid base and ensures the crackle effect adheres properly.

2. Apply the Base Coat
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to add your base coat using Montana GOLD Line colors. For our project, we chose shades that complement the new CRACKLE EFFECT colors: yellow, pink, lilac, and blue. Apply even, smooth layers of your chosen Montana GOLD colors and let them dry for at least 45 minutes but no longer than 24 hours. This drying time is essential to allow the crackling process to work its magic.


3. Add the CRACKLE EFFECT
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Shake your chosen CRACKLE EFFECT color (Yellow Cab, Begonia Pink, Rich Lilac, or Blue Denim) thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes. Then, holding the can about 25 cm away from the surface, apply the CRACKLE EFFECT in a crossing-over motion—spraying left to right, ensuring even coverage. After applying the CRACKLE, the distressing process will start to occur within minutes, creating those signature cracks that make the surface look weathered and textured.
For more dramatic crackling effects, you can apply additional layers after 5 minutes. This allows for more variation and depth in the cracked texture.

4. Let it Dry
Once you’re satisfied with the crackling effect, let the drawers dry completely. Montana CRACKLE EFFECT Spray dries to the touch in about 30 minutes, but for best results, let it cure fully over 24 hours before using or handling the drawers.
The Result: Bold, Vintage-Style Desk Drawers
Our desk drawers are now vibrant and textured, thanks to the striking crackled finish created by Montana CRACKLE EFFECT. The combination of bright base coats and these new CRACKLE EFFECT colors (Yellow Cab, Begonia Pink, Rich Lilac, and Blue Denim) gives the drawers a unique, colorful look that’s perfect for adding character to any room.


This project is ideal for anyone wanting to add a vintage, weathered charm to furniture, frames, or even decorative items. The crackled finish provides a textured, aged aesthetic that works beautifully in a variety of home decor styles.


Pro Tips:
Timing is key. Make sure you give your base coat enough time to dry (45 minutes minimum) but don’t wait longer than 24 hours to apply the CRACKLE EFFECT.

Apply in layers. If you want a heavier crackling effect, apply additional layers of the CRACKLE EFFECT spray after about 5 minutes.
Experiment with color combinations. The crackle effect looks even more striking when paired with bold or contrasting base coats. Mix and match for different looks.


Conclusion
Montana Cans’ new CRACKLE EFFECT colors—Yellow Cab, Begonia Pink, Rich Lilac, and Blue Denim—are perfect for transforming everyday objects into bold, textured statement pieces. With just a few simple steps, you can give furniture, décor, and other DIY projects a unique, distressed finish that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re refreshing a set of drawers like we did or experimenting on other surfaces, Montana CRACKLE EFFECT Spray is the perfect tool to give your creations a one-of-a-kind look. So, grab your cans, get creative, and watch the crackling magic happen! Happy crafting!
