Rustic Farmhouse Coasters with Crackle Finish DIY

These little coasters were simple to make, but they ended up with so much character, and I love how they feel like something you’d find in an old farmhouse kitchen.

What We’re Making

This project is a set of rustic farmhouse-style coasters featuring:

• Soft blended paint backgrounds
• Stenciled words like blessed, gather, farmhouse, family
• A beautiful crackle (crazed) finish that mimics aged porcelain

They’re functional, decorative, and full of that cozy, lived-in feel.

Supplies Used

Here’s what I used:

• Wood coasters (square or round)
• Acrylic paint (buttermilk, burlap, green tones)
• Stencil brushes
• Word stencil (farmhouse-style words)
• Fine line crackle (two-step system)
• Dark wax (for finishing)
• Sandpaper
• Sealer spray (matte finish) (optional)

If you click over to Essential Stencil to grab the stencil, you can use my code WK21 at checkout – https://bit.ly/4asB7Ym

Paint the Background

Start with a base coat of buttermilk. Then lightly layer in a soft brown (burlap tone) and a touch of green. You don’t want full coverage—just a hint of color to give it variation. Each coaster will look a little different, and that’s exactly what you want.

Add Your Words

Using your stencil, add simple farmhouse words like:

• Blessed
• Gather
• Farmhouse
• Family

A few tips here:

• Offload your paint really well before stenciling
• Use light pressure and build color slowly
• If needed, do two light coats instead of one heavy one

This helps prevent bleed and keeps everything looking clean.

Light Distressing / Apply the Crackle Finish

Once your paint is dry, lightly sand the surface and soften any harsh edges. Let a bit of the wood or base color peek through This adds to that aged, time-worn look.

This is where the magic happens. Using a two-step crackle system: Apply the first layer and let it dry completely. Andd then add the second layer (don’t overwork it). As it dries, you’ll start to see fine cracks form across the surface. It creates that beautiful crazed, vintage effect—almost like old porcelain. Tip: Let it air dry if you can. Rushing it can affect the crackle pattern.

Highlight the Crackle

To bring those cracks to life, apply a dark wax over the surface and work it into the cracks, and then wipe back the excess. This step really makes the texture stand out and gives depth to the finish.

Seal Your Coasters

To protect everything, use a matte sealer spray or a clear varnish. This keeps them functional and long-lasting.

The Finished Set

These turned out so good. Each coaster is a little different, but together they tell a story: sitting around the table, gathering with family, slowing down and being present. And that’s really what home is all about.

A Little Reflection

One of the things I love most about projects like this is the meaning behind the words. Blessed. Gather. Family. They’re simple… but they carry so much weight.

“You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious… abounding in steadfast love.” — Psalm 86:15

Sometimes we just need that reminder.