Water-based, one component crackle varnish to create antique, cracked surfaces. Use a layer of acrylic paint, then apply the crackle medium. After it is dried apply another layer of acrylic paint, which has a different color, than the first layer. The crackle medium will dry transparent, the top acrylic paint layer will crack and the base acrylic paint layer will be visible through the cracks. The depth and the network of the cracks depends on the thickness of the layer and on the technique of the application.