Leave to dry or use a hairdryer on a gentle heat.
Once dry apply a coat of Décor Crackle to the area that you would like crackled. Load your brush well with the medium and let it flow off the brush. A wide, flat brush is the best. DO NOT WORK THE DECOR CRACKLE TOO MUCH.
The medium must flow off the brush and leave a good layer where required. You get bigger and better cracks if the medium is a thicker layer but if you work the medium too much it will not activate.
Once the Decor Crackle is dry you can apply a contrasting top coat of paint. Again, do not over work the paint. Get in and get out. If you over work it you will stop the cracking process. When choosing your topcoat colour, please be aware that the crackle will not work if a metallic paint is used( i. e. Gold) or an iridescent / pearl paint. Once this layer of paint has dried you may start to see some cracks appearing, to increase the quality and number of cracks apply some Crackle Medium with a brush.
The time between putting the décor crackle on and applying the top coat is recommended as‘ up to 6 hours’ when drying naturally, but I have before left it for up to a week and the crackle has still worked. If uncertain, try it.
You will get a different crackle effect depending on how you apply the top paint. A sponge will give you a random crackle, a brush will give you a bark effect. Play and enjoy.
If you want to varnish your piece, make sure you leave it for at least a couple of weeks in case you re activate the crackle medium and it cracks your varnish.
Tip 1: I keep a supply of clean milk bottle lids and use these for pouring out small amounts of the mediums ready to use. If you pour out too much it tends to start air drying before you get a chance to use it!
Tip 2: I buy the big car wash sponges from the pound shop and cut them up into useable sizes. When I want to use the sponge I dunk it in water then give it a good squeeze out. That way it does not water down the paint, but the damp sponge does not absorb as much of the paint( I hope that makes sense!)( Just!- Ed)
Tip 3: I insist on my little terrier having food that comes in foil trays. I wash these out and use them for holding the mixed paint. If you don’ t use all the colour, cover it with some damp kitchen roll, place in a carrier bag and store in the fridge. It should remain viable for quite a while.
Have fun and enjoy playing. Lynn x