Painting Over Cracking Conversion Varnish. Normally if the finish is cracking, it means you may have used too much catalyst. Not sure what I would do. All Related Articles Accessories Bending Wood Boat Building Boat Repairs Carving Musical Instruments Picture Frames Tool Maintenance Woodworking. Job Opportunities and Services Exchange.
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With spray paint, you can create a crackle effect on wood with a minimum of time and expense. Look for supplies in hardware or craft stores, which stock a variety of crackle-specific paint brands. Select contrasting shades for the base and topcoat. A dark brown base and a white top coat yields dramatic cracks, but you can achieve a more subtle contrast between a deep blue base and a gray topcoat, for example. Before beginning, decide how much of a crackle effect you want. For extra large cracks, you need more topcoat. For best results, buy the same brand of base and topcoat. Allow plenty of time for the process -- at least four hours to dry the frame between each step.
1
How To Apply Varnish To Wood
Put on old clothes and set up your outdoor work area, covering it with the plastic or bed sheet. Set the newspaper and face mask to one side. Remove any backing from the picture frame and set it and the glass aside. Use a sponge dampened with a few drops of mild soap and warm water to remove dust and dirt from the picture frame, scrubbing gently in crevices. Rinse the sponge in warm water and wipe the frame again to remove any soap residue. Let the frame dry completely.
2
Lay down newspaper and position the frame face up on the work surface. Put on the face mask. Shake the primer and spray the frame completely, following the instructions on the manufacturer's label. Apply multiple light coats to cover the frame completely. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.
3
Place the frame on a clean sheet of newspaper and shake the base coat. Review the manufacturer's directions, put on the face mask, and spray the frame thoroughly, making sure to fill in recesses and decorative filigree. Allow the frame to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How To Use Marine Varnish
4
Lay fresh newspaper beneath the frame. Put on the face mask and shake the topcoat. Spray the frame according to the manufacturer's directions: In most cases, you spray one coat for small, subtle crackle; two to three coats for more prominent crackle; and four to five coats for very large crackle. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of drying time between coats and for final use.
Things You Will Need
- Work area cover (plastic sheet or old bed sheet)
- Newspaper
- Face mask
- Sponge
- Mild soap (such as body wash or liquid dish-washing soap)
- Spray primer (to match base coat)
- Crackle spray paint base
- Crackle spray paint topcoat
- Clear matte or gloss sealer (optional)
Tips
- Wipe very dirty frames with a thin coat of mineral spirits applied with a clean cotton rag.
- Spray the frame with a matte or gloss sealer for extra shine and protection.
- To prevent clogging, hold the spray paint can upside down after using it and press the spray head for three seconds.
Warnings
- Always work outdoors when using spray paint.
- Do not use spray paint outdoors in very hot or cold conditions. A recommended temperature range is 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
References (3)
Resources (1)
About the Author
Amy Stanbrough is a writer of fiction and nonfiction. Her work has appeared in 'Bust,' 'Woman's World,' 'Southern Exposure' and many other publications. Stanbrough holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from George Mason University.
Cite this ArticleChoose Citation Style
- ↑https://www.hunker.com/12000862/how-to-crackle-paint
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-paint-crackle-finish-furniture
- ↑http://www.familytime.com/showarticle.aspx?articleid=891
- ↑http://www.greenwoodindianapolispainterpainting.com/different-types-of-primer-uses/
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/pros-and-cons-of-using-different-paint-finishes-179555
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U
- ↑https://www.hunker.com/12000862/how-to-crackle-paint
- ↑https://www.hunker.com/12000862/how-to-crackle-paint
- ↑http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/TipsTechniques/TipsTechniquesCrackling.html
- ↑http://salvagedinspirations.com/paint-dry-and-paint-cure/
- ↑http://www.designsponge.com/2010/11/before-and-after-basics-putting-the-snap-in-your-crackle.html
- ↑http://debisdesigndiary.com/crackle-and-distress-your-furniture-elmers-glue-and-chalk-paint/
- ↑https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-crackle-paint/#.WdO5IUyZN-U