Crackle Varnishes and Decorations with Them

Crackle varnishes, also known as crackle mediums, are special products used to create an effect of antique, aged, and cracked surfaces.

Using crackle mediums for decoration, you can achieve a very attractive look with faded colors. Your favorite furniture will instantly transform into antique pieces as if they have been around for a long time.

The cracks created by crackle mediums usually appear in the top layer of paint, allowing the base color to shine through and give the decorated item its own character and mysterious depth.

Types and Purpose of Crackle Mediums

Crackle mediums are divided into two main types: single-step and two-step (crackle varnishes in two steps). The different names of the crackle varnishes come from their application method.

Single-step crackles are characterized

by being applied only once, between two completely contrasting colors of acrylic paint, where they crack only the top layer. In other words, they are used to crack the acrylic paint applied over them.

With two-step crackles, the cracking effect occurs after the sequential application of crackle varnishes, respectively "Step 1" and "Step 2." The cracks that appear are usually filled with powder, patina, pigments, or oil paints. They are used to create cracked surfaces on paintings, decoupage, or other decorations as a final touch.

To enhance and emphasize the effect of the resulting cracks, you can use antique paste.

After achieving the desired crackle effect with crackle varnishes, it is necessary to add a final varnish to protect your project from unwanted external influences.

It is important to know that before applying each layer of crackle varnish and paint, you must wait for the previous layer to dry completely. If you want to achieve straight and horizontal cracks, apply the crackle medium and paint in the same direction; if the goal is networked cracks, apply them in opposite directions.

Crackle mediums can be applied to various surfaces, depending on their type, such as wood, glass, ceramics, and other surfaces that are pre-decorated (by decoupage, painting, priming, etc.), as well as glass and porcelain.

They are widely used in various techniques such as decoupage, painting, scrapbooking, mixed media, and decorating various items.

An important point to remember is that to achieve excellent results, you must apply the layers of crackle medium and paint in the same direction, making sure not to apply too much paint.

Finally, if you apply a matte or glossy varnish on top, the crackle effect will become resistant to all weather conditions.

Interesting Decoupage Crackle Idea

Required Materials:

• Napkin or magazine clippings;
• Scissors;
• Soft flat brush;
• Acrylic paint in your desired color (preferably lighter);
• Decoupage glue;
• Decoupage varnish;
• Single-step or two-step crackle medium;
• Item to be decorated;

Technique No. 1:

1. First, paint the item in the color you have chosen, keeping in mind that this will be the color visible in the small cracks after the cracking. Wait for the paint to dry completely.
2. Cover the entire item with single-step crackle medium using the flat brush. Again, wait for it to dry completely. (The thickness of the crackle layer will determine the size of the cracks).
3. Once everything is dry, apply a contrasting paint over it. The final result will appear depending on the paints and crackle medium used, usually within 24 hours.

Technique No. 2:

1. Again, start by painting the item in your chosen color.
2. For this technique, use two-step crackle medium, so cover the item with "Step 1" using a brush;
3. Once it is dry, apply "Step 2".
4. Finally, use the napkin or magazine clippings and finish decorating the item with basic decoupage techniques. To achieve an even more antique effect, paint the item with a bit of brown acrylic paint and a sponge before or after the decoupage technique.

It is important not to expose the crackle mediums to direct sunlight and to protect them from freezing to prevent damage.

Some of Our Products

• Two-step Crackle CADENCE MOSAIC/EGGS, step 1, 250 ml;
• Two-step Crackle CADENCE SPIDER, step 1, 70 ml;
• Single-step Crackle CADENCE Glaze, 70 ml;
• Two-step Water-based Crackle Varnish CADENCE, 70+70 ml;
• Two-step Crackle CADENCE CROCODILE, 70+70 ml, Silver;

Price Range

All crackle varnishes and mediums for decoration available in our online store are of exceptionally high quality and at very low and affordable prices.

Why Em Art?

Here on our website, you will find everything you need to bring any idea or project to life. For any inquiries or questions, our experienced consultants will assist and guide you.

We offer an impressive variety of crackle varnishes and mediums for decoration and decoupage, as well as everything you need to bring all your ideas and projects to life.

Crackle mediums for decoration are amazing products that allow you to easily go beyond the limits of traditional techniques and decorations and create beautiful and original works of art on various surfaces such as glass and porcelain, wood, and more.

In the same category “Structural Pastes and Waxes,” you will also find a rich range of antique pastes and waxes, varnishes, casting materials and effects, patina, mixed media primers, powders, mediums, and many other materials for effects.

Delivery

Orders can be placed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and deliveries are made within 4 working days from the moment the order is confirmed.

For questions, you can contact our consultants in the online store of EM ART. Their working hours are from Monday to Saturday – from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

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