Cracked finish - called crackle, krakele or crackle, depending on the source of the finishing materials with which it is made - is a clear example of a defect transformed into quality. The defect arises from the incompatibility of the finishing layers, but if controlled, can lead to spectacular finishes.
How the effect occurs
The principle of the finish is as follows: the top layer of material shrinks as it dries, alunecă on the lower layer and cracks. The result is a discontinuous film in the form of islands whose size depends on the amount of material deposited. When the amount is small, the cracks are fine and the islands are small, but if more is applied, the effect is much more noticeable, with large cracks and islands.
The cracked finish cannot be achieved by randomly using incompatible materials. The product that gives the effect is a specially formulated resin. It is generally applied over a glossy nitrocellulose varnish. To make the effect visible, the nitro lacquer and the resin are colored in different colors. The greater the color difference, the more visible the effect. After the resin has dried, the finish is covered with a coat of colorless varnish, preferably acrylic, so that the effect will last.
photo source: servisiantalya.com
How to apply the materials
The materials used in industry to achieve this effect are applied with spray gunThe result is uniform and easy to reproduce.
For DIY projects there are special products that are applied with a brush, resulting in a unique look. Again, applying different amounts in different ways gives different effects. If the product is more diluted, it can spread better and more evenly, resulting in tidier cracks. If the dilution is reduced, spreading is more difficult, resulting in a rougher appearance and suitable for an antiqued finish.
photo source: harwoodservices.com
Modern or antique finishes
The cracked finish is very versatile, suitable for both modern and antique finishes. For modern finishes it is recommended to use contrasting colors so that the effect is highly visible.
When the colors are very close together, the pattern small and the sheen very low, the effect imitates skin very well.
For antiqued finish not much difference between colors is necessary, the effect is accentuated by skates and other ways of antiquing. This effect can give the impression that the furniture has been painted many times over the years, layer upon layer. By applying an antiquing patina and a low-gloss varnish over the finish, you can achieve a very credible antique furniture.
photo source: cromaspaints.com
photo source:gadorawilder.com
For DIY enthusiasts, I recommend play with this way of doing a finish because they will get effects they will fall in love with. As the effect is dependent on who is applying the materials, you will be curious to see what else can be achieved by changing the conditions. We would love to see the result of your work.
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Hello,
For those of us who are DIY, can you please indicate, by way of example, what are the materials available on the market to make such works?
Good evening,
If you want small quantities (to create the effect on a table, a chair, etc.) there are specialized companies that sell online: complexart.ro (Lefranc&Bourgeois brand products), decohobbyart.ro (Knorr Prandell products), creohobbycrefts.wordpress.com (Decoart products - Cracking medium), decoratiunicreative.ro (Pentart cracking varnish). I'm sure there are more. From them you can get small quantities and the products are water soluble (no smell or flammability problems). If you like experiments you can try something I found on the net but haven't tried yet. I will do it in the next few days and if you have patience until then, I will tell you what came out :). Over the commercial acrylic paint you apply a coat of simple glue, the kind used by school children. That container of glue that, when you press the cap on the surface you want to apply, the glue comes out. Before the glue dries completely, another layer of acrylic paint is applied over it, in a different colour. When it dries, the top layer will crack. The thicker the glue layer, the greater the cracks. I'll let you know when I do the experiment. Good luck!
Thank you very much. It is more than comprehensive answer and I will make some attempts. About the experiment you want to do I also tried it but I think I was a bit hasty and it didn't turn out as expected. On another note, I don't know how strong such a technique would be because I think over time that glue might come off. Anyway, I'll give it another try and then I'll let you know what I got. Once again, thank you and...here's to many more beautiful achievements. Sincerely, Liviu Iacob
Hello, I have a 7 sqm closet, in this case what do you advise me to try as materials? so that I don't end up with a rubber hoe!
Hello!
If you want to do this effect, you have in the comment below some recommendations of sites where you can buy small quantities and a suggestion for a cheaper variant. There are also professional versions that are cheaper, but you should buy min. 25 kg, which is way too much for 7 sqm.
All the best!