Technique craquelure: a master class for fans of decoupage and not only

Craquelure (from the French word "craquelure") refers to cracks in a layer of paint or varnish on the works of painting. In modern design it has become very popular to artificially age the surface of interior items, also called "craquelure." Master classes on the creation of various products that have a unique charm of antiquity, are quite expensive. Knowing the basics of the technique of such decor, any person can create unique interior objects on his own.

How can I get craquelure?

Master classes of beginner interior designers are most often used to create "old" things special lacquers. They are so called - craquel. To emphasize and isolate the cracks formed on the surface of the object, special mascara, oil paints or pastels are rubbed into the varnishes. A remarkable effect is provided by compositions intended for patination.

Technique craquelure, despite all the new compositions, still can not compete with natural cracks in works of art. That's why experts can easily distinguish the original of an antique object from a fake.

Tools and materials for applying craquelure

Practically on any surface can be applied craquelure. Master classes on the coating of glass, wood, ceramics, metal or paper with varnishes, despite some similarities, still have certain differences. That is why for each of these types of materials, the most appropriate technique for performing this design should be used.

To apply this decorative coating, you will need the following tools and special compositions:

• synthetic brush;

• dryer for drying the product;

• primer;

• Acrylic paints (preferably contrasting tones);

• one-component craquel and finish lacquers.

In the absence of expensive compounds, you can use available materials: egg whites, PVA glue, table vinegar, gel for washing, gelatin. There are several ways to apply the varnish varnish on different surfaces. Below are the most popular of them.

Single-phase craquelure

The most popular is the one-step craquelure. Master classes to create this simple cover, called another single-phase, are the most popular. It is used to create a surface with spectacular contrasting cracks. To do this, you need a one-component craquelure and acrylic finishing varnish, a hair dryer.

On the carefully cleaned surface of the object, a primer is applied (selected depending on the material from which the thing is made). To speed up the drying process of the composition, a hair dryer is used. On the dried primer is applied acrylic paint. It will be transparent in the resulting cracks. After it has dried, the lacquer varnish is applied evenly. At the same time, it must be remembered that the thicker its layer, the larger the resulting cracks. When the varnish dries a little and will not stick to the fingers (without losing its stickiness), it is applied to the main (second) acrylic paint. About 10 minutes later, cracks appear on the surface of the object.

Dry the paint neatly covered with finishing varnish. This coating is called "one-step craquelure". Master class of decoration in this technique can be repeated even by a person far from design and art. This method of decoration is excellent for decorating porcelain and wooden interior items, caskets, frames for photographs. Hone your skills in this technique, you can create unique products.

Decoupage. Craquelure (master class)

No less popular is another technique for applying such coatings, called decoupage. Its essence lies in the fact that on the crackle net from the cracks are glued various pictures cut from napkins. Some specialists perform decoupage in reverse order. In this case, the craquelure is applied already on the picture pasted onto the surface of the object.

The work requires a product itself, a water-based paint of two tones, PVA glue, cut and selected drawings, acrylic lacquer, art brushes, hair dryer.

Stages of implementation of Craquelure in Decoupage technique

• Clean and degrease the surface of the object with alcohol.

• Apply an even coat of water-based paint to the surface using an artistic brush. Dry until completely dry.

• Apply on the surface of the PVA glue layer with brush movements from top to bottom or from left to right.

• After drying the object, apply a contrast (second) paint. Movements of the brush should be the same as when applying glue.

• Without waiting for the paint to dry, a jet of hot air from the hair dryer is sent to the surface of the object. Under its influence, the coating will begin to crack. The longer the product will be dried, the coarser and deeper will be the cracks.

• The item is decorated with napkins with glue. The dry product is covered with several layers of acrylic colorless varnish.

This craquelure looks good on dishes, flower pots, vases, trays.

Two-step craquelure

Master classes on this technique are slightly more complicated than the previous ones. For work you will need acrylic lacquer, artistic brushes, gum arabic (viscous liquid, hardening in air), shellac (natural resin), bitumen, gold or silver powder. The application of craquelure consists of the following stages:

• Clean the surface of the object with 2 layers of acrylic lacquer. After it dries up, a copious layer of shellac is applied to it. The thicker it will be, the larger and coarser will be the cracks. To obtain a barely noticeable openwork mesh, a thin layer of shellac will suffice. When applying this substance, avoid possible drips, since this error is almost impossible to correct.

• When the surface of the shellac slightly softens, but is still sticky, on top of it a thick layer of gum arabic (the consistency of liquid sour cream). With slight movements of the pads of the fingers, this substance is rubbed over the entire surface. After about 3 minutes, the gum arabic will begin to stick to the hands. At this time, the "massage" movement should be stopped.

• When the gum arabic is dried, cracks will form on the surface. To emphasize them, bitumen is rubbed into them. Then, through the cracks, apply a golden or silver powder.

• Finished product is covered with finishing varnish.

Craquelure on glass objects

Very impressive look different glass products, zadekorirovannye in this technique. The whole process of working with this material practically does not differ from the above methods. At the same time, most needlewomen prefer to use a single-phase crackel on the glass.

For work, the object itself, acrylic paint of 2 contrasting tones, lacquer, synthetic art brush, craquel lacquer will be needed. The glass surface, on which the decor will be applied, is degreased with alcohol. Then it is primed with acrylic lacquer. After it dries, paint one tone (it will be visible in the cracks). After that, the surface is applied with a varnish lacquer. When it dries a little, but still does not lose its stickiness, the product is covered with a basic (second) acrylic paint. After the appearance of cracks and the drying of the composition on the surface, varnish is applied.

Craquelure on a wooden surface

This decoration technique is most often used to decorate old furniture, which can become a highlight of the interior. In this case, one- and two-step craquelure can be used. The master class on wood practically does not differ from the aforementioned methods of surface treatment. The main conditions for the successful decoration of furniture and other items in the technique of craquelure is their thorough cleaning from old paintwork and puttying damage.

Features of applying craquelure

As with any kind of design, it also has several secrets that can facilitate work. Technique craquelure, which can master every person, allows you to perform work quickly and without failures. To do this, remember the following techniques:

• The art brush should only be synthetic.

• After drying of the varnish varnish, the cracks are often rubbed with "silver", "golden powder", oil paint of a dark tone. After that, the remnants of these products are removed from the surface with vegetable oil and wipe it dry. The treated product is covered with acrylic lacquer. This technique allows even a simple object to turn into a work of art.

• Before application, the varnish must not be shaken to prevent the formation of bubbles. The room for work should be cleaned of dust and thoroughly ventilated.

• Cracks on the surface have the same direction as the movement of the brush. To obtain the so-called crackel grids, use a sponge or make very small strokes.