Cracking up – Crackle effect finish

Distinctive crackle finishes can be created using a tinted acrylic basecoat (such as Resene Lumbersider), one coat of Resene FX Crackle and a final coat of an acrylic topcoat tinted to a contrasting colour to the basecoat. Resene FX Crackle will shrink causing the acrylic topcoat to crack revealing the basecoat colour.

The Crackle effect will vary depending on the application method, enabling many different effects to be achieved with the same product, just by varying application technique and the basecoat and topcoat colour combinations. A thick coat of Resene FX Crackle will result in fewer larger, deeper cracks, while a thin coat will give smaller, shallower cracks.

Crackle effect finishes are best used on uneven or rough walls, furniture, picture frames, woodwork and small feature areas. As with other effects products, agree a sample panel before the job starts and use this as the standard for the project.

The ideal product when something a little out of the ordinary is called for.

View Crackle effect project ideas: