Crackle painting is a painting technique to make the painted surface look old and worn. By applying a layer of glue/adhesive or crackling medium between two layers of paint, either latex paint or acrylic paint, you can give the final appearance of most surfaces resembling material. natural (faux finish). Follow these steps on painting the crackle technique for your upcoming craft project.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Glue/Adhesive Material
Step 1. Choose one item you want to paint
Painting with the crackle technique can be done equally well on wood, ceramics, canvas, and various other surfaces.
-
If you are going to use wood, make sure it is treated as untreated wood which may discolor the appearance of the faux finish.
Crackle paint Step 1
Step 2. Choose two contrasting colors
You can choose any color to apply first. Paint with the crackle technique will show just as well a dark color over a light color and vice versa.
- You can also use metallic paint for a shinier object.
-
Note: if the selected colors are too similar, the crackle technique effect may not look good.
Crackle paint Step 2
Step 3. Do the painting for the first layer
Use a paintbrush or small roller brush to coat the object with a coat of latex or acrylic paint.
- Apply paint to any visible edges of objects, such as a picture frame or a wall hanging.
-
Let the first coat dry completely before you move on to the next step.
Crackle paint Step 3
Step 4. Cover the first layer with a cracking material or a general-purpose transparent glue/adhesive
You can buy cracking motifs at any craft supply store in your town. You can also use regular glue. The thicker the adhesive layer, the greater the cracking effect that will be produced.
-
To produce fine crack lines, apply the adhesive in a thin layer.
Crackle paint Step 4
Step 5. Immediately do the painting on top of the color layer
The material for cracking motifs will dry quickly. Therefore, you must immediately apply a second color on it before the material dries, otherwise the creation of a cracking effect will not work. Brush the paint in a thin layer using a soft paint brush.
-
You do not need to hold the brush firmly/roughly as this will rub the paint through the adhesive and will spoil the natural look (faux finish). For faster work, you can also spray the top color with a paint sprayer.
Crackle paint Step 5
Step 6. Let your project dry completely
As the paint dries, the cracking effect will also be visible.
- If you want to speed up the process, you may need to use a heat gun.
-
Finish your project by applying a layer of transparent polyurethane (polyurethane).
Crackle paint Step 6
Method 2 of 2: Using the Spraying Technique
Step 1. Use two different types of acrylic paint
If you want significant contrast, use two different colors. Alternatively, you can use two shades of the same color-one darker, and the other lighter-to create a more subtle crack effect.
Step 2. Use quality paint
Quality paint is very important. The use of acrylic paint is highly recommended.
Step 3. Spray primer as the first coat
Choose the color of the paint you want to use as the base coat and spray it lightly and evenly over the entire surface. Then, wait for the paint to dry.
Step 4. Spray a second coat
Apply the same color for the second coat, spraying vigorously. Wait for the paint to start to dry, until it sticks a little.
Step 5. Spray the second color
Now, spray a second hue of paint to create a cracking effect. Make sure you are using a high-gloss acrylic paint. For a stronger cracking effect, focus spraying on certain areas more than others.
Step 6. Use a heat gun
Use a heat gun to dry the last coat of paint. This will cause the top layer of paint to appear cracked and create an interesting pattern.
Step 7. Use dye (optional)
You can also give wooden items an aged effect (furniture, crafts, etc.) by applying a light coat of dark dye to the surface of the item and then wiping it off with a cloth. Raw flaxseed oil is a good choice because it doesn't dry out too quickly.
Tips
- The type of brush used on the top layer will determine the pattern/pattern of the cracking. If you are going to use a brush, the lines (cracks) will be parallel to each other. Meanwhile, the application of the top coat with a roller will result in a more circular faux finish.
- For larger projects, you may need to work it piece by piece so the glue doesn't dry before you can apply the second paint.
