Today a popular design technique is to take something new and make it look old -- aged and weather-beaten. One of today's most popular effects is crackle painting. The process gives any surface a crackled antique finish. Here's how you beat the clock. First, spread a coat of white or yellow wood glue on the surface. Then wait at least an an hour, but never more than four hours. Apply a coat of flat latex paint over the glue just like you normally would, and within minutes the fresh paint will begin to split and crackle like it was there 100 years. But remember to use only flat latex paint because it's the only kind that is guaranteed to "crackle." If you're not comfortable using a plain old wood glue on your new bookcase or favorite chair, you can go to the store and purchase a product called "crackle medium" that costs about three times more, but is made mostly of wood glue. That's how you make any new painted surface look old. And that's the On The House tip for today.