Crackle effect paint without buying extra stuff!

I rather like the crackle effect that you can get, but am far far too poor to buy crackle medium and all that gubbins . So, having seen it in Craft Stamper I thought I would have a go with acrylic paints and PVA glue; very pleased to report that it works! I have seen various instructions, but this method worked best for me.

You need either two contrasting colours of acrylic paint, or coloured cardstock and acrylic paint, plus PVA.

1. Paint your 'base colour' in an even layer and leave it to dry. (or cheat and use coloured cardstock, then you can skip this first bit).

2. When it is dry, paint over a generous layer of PVA glue. Some tutorials tell you to water it down, but to be honest I had better results with it neat. Leave it to dry.

3. Paint your top colour over the entire thing, working quite quickly. I found one of those foam brush things quite useful at this point. Straight away, start to dry it with a heat gun.....and the crackles will appear before your eyes!




Here's one I made earlier , this was red paint, with lemon yellow over the top. (Ignore the stamped swirls on the right hand side!).

Oh, super, Tina.
Thanks ever so much. I'll definitley be using that method.

Why ignore the swirls, they're pretty too.
A good method though, if I ever feel the need I'll be back to find this.

ooh lovely ,i will give this a try

oh wow that looks fab. definately have to have a look at doing this. put it on my list of to do stuff i think

this looks exactly the same as the effect you get by buying the fancy gear, so blooming well done Tina, its lovely and thanks for showing us.

I will try this method. I have some of the 'proper' stuff
but it's not cheap.

Great effect and looks good.

WOW this is fantastic just what I need to try out on my wooden hearts (when they arrive!) where do you buy your acrylic paint from? Just wondering if you know of any bargains

MrsShorty wrote:WOW this is fantastic just what I need to try out on my wooden hearts (when they arrive!) where do you buy your acrylic paint from? Just wondering if you know of any bargains

it's pretty cheap in Wilkinsons. Other than that I don't know; living in the back of beyond where there are no craft shops, I tend to get it all mail order.

think I've got anitas from years ago. Still seems ok though cos its what I used on Lily's ATC tin.

range, Boyes, wilkinsons are the few I can think of em

It would work with the sample paint pots you get at DIY shops, Lesley and I used it on ceramic flower pots, and she used it on furniture.

great technique , great results

Mmmmmm tried this and my top coat bubbled but didnt crackle