Cracked finish - called crackle, krakele or crackledepending on the origin of the finishing materials used - is a clear example of a defect turned into quality. The defect arises as a result of incompatibility between finish coats, but if controlled, can lead to spectacular finishes.
How the effect occurs
The principle of finishing is as follows: the top layer of material shrinks by drying, slip on the bottom layer and crack. The result is a discontinuous film in the form of islands whose size depends on the amount of material deposited. When this amount is small, the cracks are fine and the islands small, but if we apply a larger amount the effect is much more visible, with large cracks and islands.
Cracked finish cannot be achieved by randomly using incompatible materials. The product that causes the effect is a specially formulated resin. It is generally applied over a glossy nitrocellulose varnish. For the effect to be visible, the nitro varnish and resin are coloured in different colours. The effect is more visible the greater the difference between the colours. After the resin has dried, the finish is covered with a coat of colourless varnish, preferably acrylic, so that the effect is preserved over time.
photo source: servisiantalya.com
How to apply the materials
The materials used in the industry to achieve this effect are applied with spray gun, the result is uniform and easy to reproduce.
For DIY projects there are special products that are applied with a brush, resulting in a unique finish. Again, applying different amounts in different ways produces different effects. If the product is more diluted, it can spread better and more evenly, resulting in neater cracks. If the dilution is reduced, spreading is more difficult and results in a rougher look suitable for an antiqued finish.
photo source: harwoodservices.com
Modern or antique finishes
The cracked finish is very versatile and is suitable for both modern and antique finishes. For modern finishes it is recommended to use contrasting colours so that the effect is very visible.
When the colours are very close together, the design small and the gloss very low the effect mimics skin very well.
For antiqued finish not a huge difference between colours is required, the effect being accentuated by skates and other ways of antiquing. With this effect it can give the impression that the furniture has been painted many times over time, layer upon layer. If a patina of ageing and a coat of low gloss varnish is applied over the finish, a very credible antique furniture can be achieved.
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. Since the effect is dependent on the person applying the materials, you'll be curious to know 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!