Question:
What is crackle medium?
Crackle wont crackle
Sometimes crackle won't crackle as well as we would like. Give it a spray with water. That will help motivate the reaction. Also, avoid using a hairdryer to speed the drying process of both the crackle medium and the top layer of paint. If you are still unsure consider if you put enough medium on, had enough moisture in the paint for the top coat or if you are using compatible paints. Sometimes it does not pay to mix brands.
Two Part Crackles
These are a bit different to the sandwich crackles. they go on after all the decorative painting work is done, and often result in the more refined look of crazed china. They require you to apply a coat of paint number one, usually a cracking medium. Tis is followed with a number 2 paint which sets off the crackle process. The cracks are fine and difficult to see so we finish off with an antiquing process which shows up the cracks in this top coat, making a painting look old and crazed. It is a really nice effect. In Australia a product called crackle varnish by Langridge does this really well.
Finger print ready crackle
For all crackle mediums please read the labels. Many are ready for the top coat when it is dried to a tacky stage. When you can leave an indentation of a fingerprint in it, it is ready. I have found that I get the best results when I do the top coat at this stage. If the crackle is much dryer the result are not as immediate or as effective.
Crackle medium
There are a number of brands of crackle medium on the market and for the most part they work quite successfully. The most commonly used is a sandwich crackle, meaning it is sandwiched between two layers of acrylic paint. The medium sets off a reacton in the top layer of paint.
Crakling effects
Crackling effects are done with a cracking medium. The best results will come from having a good solid sealed surface underneath the medium. Apply the medium generously by laying it on rather than brushing it back and forth. You can also sponge it on. The thicker it is the bigger your cracks will be to some extent. This is more determined by the next layer of paint. Once the crackle is dry enough to recieve the next coat (check the manufacturers instructions) lay the top coat on. Again, avoid brushing back and forth unless you specifically want a result of cracks which are not deep and distinct. You can apply the top coat paint with a sponge. If you want the cracks running in a specific direction be sure to apply the top coat paint in that direction. I usually overload a big flat brush and lay the paint on thickly and unevenly. The results are pretty good but never look the same way twice! It is most important that you don't brush back and forth as this interrupts the cracking process.
Folk Art Frequently Asked Questions
What are big Conventions like?
How do I prepare glass and plastic for painting?
What is the best glass paint for opaque painting?
How can I store lots of paint?
How can I keep oil and acrylic brushes separate?
What tools should I put in my tool box?
What is a good data base program?
What lighting do you recomend for the studio?
What is a good way to store brushes?
Can I substitute different brands of paint?
How do I convert colour from one brand to another?
How do I join a styrofoam hat to a light bulb ornament?
How do I improve my student numbers?
Is there a conversion guide for 1837 legacy paint?
How do I paint Chezza bear fur?
Is there an easy way to draw ribbon?
What should I take to Convention?
How do I prepare light bulbs for painting?
What do I use for hats on light bulb ornaments?
How do I manage kids and painting?
How do I overcome the need to paint straight lines?
How should I photograph my work?
What are some tips for Time Management?
What is a quick and easy project surface?
What if the pattern doesnīt fit?
How can I keep track of my paint?
Where can I find pattern ideas?
What kinds of paint should I have for the kids?
How do you paint a lace border?
Is there a quick way to get paint conversions?
Is there a book with lightbulb ornaments in it?
What can I use for woodfiller?
Where can I get lessons in Rosemaling?
Should I worry about ridges in my painting?
Why should I trace a pattern out?
What do you suggest for shopping tips?
Where can I shop for a bargain?
How do I select convention classes?
What should I give the kids to paint on?
How can I organise my magazines and packets?
How can I store so much stuff?
What do I need to trace designs with?
What do you suggest for luggage at a convention?
What makes a quality pattern packet?
What is a good way to store paints.
What is wrong with my crackle?
Help! My graphite lines donīt show!
What wood pieces can I give kids to paint on?
What can I expect from a studio?
Where can I get support and information?
I am having trouble seeing where the light source is.
Where do I get conversions from ?
What is a good way to store paints.
What important tools should I have?
How can I hold small items for painting?
Can I paint on my regular dinner ware?
What sorts of shelves should I put in my studio?
What if my purchases are too big?
Where do I find supplies in the UK?
Is the a list of personal things I should take to convention?
Where do I find supplies in Australia?
Should I give the kids cheap paint?
What should I look for in a teacher?
What should I expect from a class?
What sort of studio should I have?
How can I draw circles quickly?
painting borders, using arm and shoulder, not hand
How do I get paint off my clothes?
How can I keep my painting space in order?
How do I paint on terra cotta pots?
What costs are involved in a big convention?
How do I keep my studio in order?
What are big Conventions like?
Where can I sell things on line?
Where should I put my painting table?
Who makes artist quality acrylic paint?
How do I get Colour swatches in my TCS software?
Is white a good background for photoīs?
How should I Advertise my Business?
How do I load a rake or comb brush for fur?
How do I use a rake or comb brush?
How do I transport my gear for classes?
I need some ideas for small designs
How do I clean a gourd for painting?
Is a painted surface food safe?
What will make painting lace easier?
What furniture should I have in the Studio?
How can I learn more about brushes?
What should be kept at the painting table?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
What is wrong with my glass paint?
What is a double loaded flat brush?
What personal things will I need for a convention?
What is pemenamel Surface conditioner?
What do you recomend for brush Cleaning?
How do I paint on a floorcloth?
What pen do you suggest I use for pen and Wash techniques?
What will make a good noticeboard?
Is there a Society in New Zealand?
How can I clean my brush basin?
What is the best way to manage the paperwork?
What varnish should I use for heat resistence?
What do I do if my graphite wonīt show?
What should I not take to convention?
How do I prepare papier mache?
Is the any easy place to find a glossary?
Can I use a pen for fine lines?
How do I stop pieces from rolling away?
Why do I have trouble searching for Folk Art sites?
What mailing list should I join?
What should a mail out include?
Where will I find a Guild or Society?
How do I keep fabric painting nice?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jerry Mayo |
