Create a Weathered Aged Paint Effect on Furniture

Learn an easy method of creating a crackle paint effect with Crackle Tex. Artisan Enhancements™ Crackle Tex is a thick bodied crackle medium. Developed to create crackle techniques and textures when layered with water-based paints and plasters. Crackle Tex is non-toxic, zero VOC, and eco-friendly!

Developed to reproduce the look of aged, weathered paint and/or plaster. Crackle Tex can be used to achieve chunky and chipped effects. Great for a variety of interior applications and surfaces such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls.

Basic Technique Application- Applying Crackle Tex with a Brush and Chalky Style Paint

Crackle Tex is a crackle medium that is sandwiched between a base layer and a topcoat layer. For this basic technique we are using paint as our topcoat layer over the Crackle Tex Layer.

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STEP ONE

Surface Preparation

Surface Prep! Surfaces should be free of cleaner residue, dust, dirt, and debris. Surfaces should be dry before Crackle Tex application. If painting /staining /layering before Crackle Tex application, make sure the basecoat of paint /stain /layers are completely dry before application of Crackle Tex. For best results let surfaces dry overnight before Crackle Tex application. Note: Raw, stone, or untreated surfaces may need to be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to Crackle Tex application – These types of surfaces absorb too much of the crackle medium resulting in less pronounced or absent crackle effects.

STEP TWO

Stir Crackle Tex

Stir Crackle Tex! Stir from the bottom up before every use – Do not shake. Shaking creates air bubbles in the crackle medium which can be transferred to the surface causing undesired texture during application. If bubbles appear
while stirring, allow the bubbles to completely settle before application.

STEP THREE

Application – Crackle Tex for crackle paint effect.

Apply Crackle Tex! Using a 37mm Flat brush apply a liberal coat of Crackle Tex to a prepared sealed, stained, or base painted surface. Depending on the desired effect, Crackle Tex can be applied in a cross-hatching or linear (straight) brush stroke application. For a more irregular crack pattern, apply Crackle Tex using a cross-hatching brush stroke. For a more consistent one-directional crack, apply Crackle Tex using a linear brush stroke.

Avoid over brushing or over working the Crackle Tex layer. As the Crackle Tex begins to dry it becomes “sticky”, over brushing can lead to accidently lifting and bubbling. Try to avoid too much pooling and drips. Crackle Tex goes on “milky”, but when fully dry should be clear. Crackle Tex layer must be completely dry and clear before adding the topcoat layer of paint over Crackle Tex. For best results let Crackle Tex layer dry overnight.

STEP FOUR

Application – Paint Layer.

Apply topcoat of paint! Once Crackle Tex is completely dry, apply a topcoat layer of paint over the Crackle Tex layer. Do not over work or over brush paint layer. Avoid excessive pressure and over brushing the topcoat of paint. Early appearing cracks can accidentally be painted over by overworking topcoat layers. As the topcoat of paint begins to dry, cracks will appear and the base coat will be visible through the appearing crackle paint effect. Dry time for paint can be accelerated with use of a hairdryer on a warm setting or a fan. Let crackled paint layer completely dry before adding additional layers or sealers.

Note: If adding more layers of paint, plaster, glaze, or a color wash – once crackle layer of paint is dry, a thin layer of Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat may be needed to protect the crackle paint/plaster layer from reopening with moisture. Allow layers to dry overnight before applying additional layers or sealer. Dry times between layers may be extended due to number of coats/layers, humidity, and cooler temperatures. For this basic technique no additional layers will be added.

STEP FIVE

Seal

Seal the surface with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers. (See Sealer Tip sheet for proper sealer application).

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Download this Technique Sheet

To learn more about Crackle Tex and creating a crackle paint effect, visit your local Artisan Enhancements retailer, review tip sheets, and visit FAQ section.