You can antique the dry top coat by sealing it first with acrylic matte spray. Mix a stain by using equal amounts of acrylic paint and water and brush over the project. When covered, wipe off excess stain with a paper towel. Finish with acrylic matte spray. A 2 step process.
Clear finish is applied over painted or unpainted surface for a fine china crackle.
Apply one heavy basecoat of acrylic paint to sealed surface. Apply one medium, even coat of Delta Crackle with firm bristle brush strokes. Do not allow to dry completely. Brush on one light, even coat of contrasting acrylic paint for topcoat. Topcoat will begin to crack within minutes.