Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Here you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions and general tips for troubleshooting. If you are not able to find an answer to the question you have and you have read through the tipsheet(s) of the product that you are working with, then please feel free to reach out to us via our contact page.
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- Crackle Tex
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- Wood Stains
What types of materials can be decoupaged?
A variety of materials including wallpaper, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, and fabric can be used as materials to be decoupaged.
What types of surfaces can be stained with Nature’s Wood Stain™?
Nature’s Wood Stain™ was developed to enhance inherent beautiful characteristics of unsealed wood, stone, concrete, and other textured porous surfaces. Nature’s Wood Stain™ colors can be layered, blended, and diluted with water to create multi-dimensional unique tones. Great for a variety of interior and exterior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, woodwork, stone, plaster, and concrete.
What types of tools can be used to apply Crackle Tex?
Tools and application methods vary the type of cracks produced. Crackle Tex can be applied with a brush or roller.For controlled crack patterns – Using a brush, apply Crackle Tex and paint layer in linear strokes. For irregular crack patterns- Using a brush, apply Crackle Tex and paint Layer in haphazard, cross hatching, strokes. For smaller irregular, “web-like”, crack patterns – Using a roller, apply Crackle Tex and paint using even linear strokes to avoid lap lines.
Which sealer can be used as a primer before painting and help combat bleeds?
Clear Topcoat sealer can be used as an alternative to shellac to seal porous surfaces (like concrete or raw wood) or to prime surfaces prior to painting (great for surfaces susceptible to bleed through or have an odor). We recommend using two thin coats of Clear Topcoat sealer for a full coverage seal. Apply one thin coat of sealer and allow it to dry 24 hours before applying a second coat. Allow sealed surface to cure 72 hours before painting.Which sealer is recommended over white painted surfaces?
Clear Finish is our recommended sealer over white painted surfaces.Why did cracks not appear after applying Crackle Tex?
If cracks do not appear after applying Crackle Tex, one of the following reasons could be the cause:- The surface below paint or Crackle Tex was not sealed or was raw. Porous surfaces like stone or raw wood are “thirsty”. These types of surfaces absorb too much of the crackle medium resulting in less pronounced or absent crackle effects. We recommend sealing thirsty surfaces with Clear Topcoat Sealer prior to painting or applying Crackle Tex.
- A topcoat of paint or plaster has not been applied over the dried layer of Crackle Tex. Crackle Tex is a crackle medium that is sandwiched between a base layer and a topcoat layer of either plaster or paint. A topcoat of paint or plaster must be applied for cracks to appear.
- When applying the topcoat layer, the paint or plaster was applied too thin, too thick, or overworked. The best results are achieved with a medium load of paint or plaster – not too much but not too little. Once the paint or plaster is applied avoid over brushing and too much pressure which can lead to the covering of early appearing cracks.
- The type of paint or plaster formula used as the topcoat contains either too much acrylic, pigment, or matting agent. Crackle Tex works best with mineral and chalk style ultra-flat (matte) water-based paints. Light and medium colors produce the more defined and pronounced crackle patterns. Crackle Tex works best with VP Antico and Fine Stone. Both plasters are more porous and matte when dry making them ideal to layer with Crackle Tex.
Why does Clear Finish have a haze or cloudy appearance?
If Clear Finish has a hazy or cloudy appearance, it is typically the result of trapped moisture. Occasionally this will happen if the first coat was applied over the second coat too soon or water/moisture was introduced to the surface before it dried or cured. The moisture/excess water is usually from wet tools or using the surface before it has cured fully. Extend the dry and cure time until surface no longer looks cloudy.Why does my Crackle Tex chipped paint technique feel “gluey” or “gummy”?
If your paint becomes sticky, gluey or gummy during the chipped crackle technique, one of the following reasons could be the cause:- Crackle Tex was not completely dry before applying paint. Make sure Crackle Tex is completely dry before applying topcoat of paint.
- Paint was too wet when the chipping technique was started. Do not start chipping effect until small cracks begin to appear. The paint should be damp and moist but not wet.
- Excessive water was introduced either from the sponge/rag tool being used to create the chip effect. Always start with a dry sea sponge or rags, only lightly spritz them if the paint is being stubborn.
Why does my plaster seem watery or loose in the container?
Our plasters are thick bodied water-based mediums. Overtime, the plaster can settle. When this occurs, liquid can rise to the top. Before beginning any project, it is important to always stir the product from the bottom up in the container. Making sure any potentially settled materials are reincorporated.Why does my sealed surface have white rings or white spots?
White rings and spots are typically the result of water and/or condensation. To avoid water rings and spots be sure to use proper care. Wipe up spills, condensation, and liquid as quickly as possible. Protect tabletop surfaces with coasters, heat and place mats.If wiped up quickly, most rings and spots will disappear once the surface dries.