Craquelure on pva with step by step mk. One-component craquelure varnish: the order of application to the surface. Craquelure on a wooden surface

Craquelure is the art of non-natural aging, which involves the formation of tiny cracks in the paint layer. The surface covered with such a varnish acquires an interesting beautiful structure.

This is achieved through the use of special varnishes applied to the surface of the object.

Varnishes used in the crackle technique are of two main types:

1. One-step (single-phase) - great for beginners, for those people who have just started doing this technique. This craquelure looks like a cracked enamel surface, the first layer or base is visible through it.
2. Two-step (two-phase) is more difficult to apply, but at the same time, it is more beautiful, cracks are formed in the varnish itself, which allows not to overlap the previously applied image, which allows it to be used on different surfaces.

When using a one-step varnish, you must first apply a primer, wait for it to dry, then apply the paint. Lacquer is applied on top and, without allowing it to dry completely, paint is applied on top, after which any pattern is applied.

If a two-step varnish is used, then first the surface is covered with shellac varnish, it should be applied in 2-3 layers, waiting for each layer to dry.

After drying, the product is covered on top with a two-step craquelure varnish, after it dries, the resulting cracks are rubbed with oil paint, pastel, etc. The drawing is again applied on top and shellac varnish for fixing.

Description and technique of applying craquelure varnishes for decoupage

All craquelure varnishes used in the decoupage technique are divided into two main types: one-step or one-component and two-step or two-component. The only difference between the two types of varnish is that one varnish is one-component, applied between layers of paint. A two-component varnish is applied to a layer of shellac varnish, then it is grouted, the image is glued and a layer of ordinary varnish follows.

Sometimes two-component varnishes are applied directly to the prepared and glued drawing, thus creating the effect of antiquity.

Such varnishes can be bought in specialized stores, there are quite a few types of them, so before buying, you should familiarize yourself a little with their range and characteristics.

To properly apply such varnishes, you should adhere to a certain technique:

1. One-component varnish is applied in a thin layer on the prepared surface using a soft kolinsky brush. It should be applied so that there are no traces of the brush, after which it is necessary to wait for the layer to dry.
2. When applying a two-component varnish, it should be taken into account that it can be very sticky, and therefore you should not touch it with your fingers so as not to leave marks and also make sure that dust does not get on it. The second layer is applied after the first is almost dry, and after that the product must dry, in accordance with the instructions for this type of varnish.

One-step craquelure in decoupage: master class

In order to learn how to do decoupage with your own hands, you should learn from more experienced people or watch a video on the topic of a decoupage master class, such a video will allow you to understand everything in more detail. One-step craquelure is considered one of the most difficult elements used in decoupage, but at the same time, it is a bright and expressive technique, and objects made with it look quite unusual.

One-step craquelure is cracks in the coating layer through which the underlying surface is visible.

In order to achieve this effect, the following steps should be taken:

1. The workpiece is primed, then, when it dries, paint is applied to those places where craquelure varnish is supposed to be applied. The paint should not be applied twice, and one should strive to cover as much area as possible. After the varnish has dried, the main color paint is applied to it, and they are waiting for it to dry.
2. After that, you can start drawing a picture, you can use photographs, cover the surface with beautiful napkins or some kind of drawings. After that, you can start varnishing with ordinary varnish.

With this technique, there is one important condition, this is the need to correctly combine a set of brushes, layers of paint and drying of each layer.

Perhaps, in no one single-step craquelure technique there are as many conditions and features as in other decoupage techniques, but the effect will be more interesting and beautiful.

Two-step craquelure in decoupage: master class

Two-step craquelure is the most common decoupage technique. It is cracks in the varnish layer on the finished surface, for example, on glass, wood, metal and even furniture.

As a rule, two-step craquelure is sold in a set consisting of two jars, one component is applied to the other.

In this case, the top layer cracks, and in order for the cracks to be clearly visible, they are rubbed with different grouts.

In order for decoupage to turn out to be of high quality with this technique, you should use the tips, step by step follow the following:

1. The workpiece should already be almost completely ready, with a pattern applied to it, while it is desirable that it be already varnished, and there should be several layers of varnish.
2. Next, the first part of craquelure varnish is applied to the surface, it should be dried according to the instructions, and it is desirable to dry until it is not completely dry. After that, the second part of the composition is applied, and you also need to wait until cracks appear. After that, the cracks are grouted, and the entire product is varnished.

Two-step craquelure can be water-based or not, slightly yellowish or completely transparent, etc. Gradually, with the acquisition of experience, a person will work with 2-3 types of such varnish.

Decoupage with craquelure on a bottle step by step

To create a beautiful decoupage, you will need certain materials and tools, materials can be bought both in ordinary stores, for example, acrylic paints and primers, and in specialized ones, in particular, craquelure varnishes.

You will also need soft wide brushes, sponges, etc., and a surface on which all the work will be done, for example, bottles:

1. The bottle should be washed, all stickers removed, then it should be primed, wait until the primer dries. After that, it should be painted with acrylic or water-based paint of the selected color, the paint can be applied both with a sponge and with a brush.
2. It is best to apply a one-component coat of varnish with a sponge, you need to wait until the varnish dries, and apply the paint in an even, wide layer. When the paint dries, the bottle should be covered with a layer of ordinary varnish.
3. A drawing from a napkin or from a print should be sprinkled with hairspray, the film is straightened, and the drawing is superimposed with the front side on it. The film together with the napkin is superimposed on the bottle, after which air bubbles are expelled from under the napkin. After that, the film is removed, and the pattern is covered with scuba lacquer, and then the whole bottle in several layers. Such beautiful bottles can be made in a large number.

When a person learns to use all the decoupage techniques with craquelure, and is confident in applying paints, varnishes, gluing an image and maintaining a certain style, he will be able to make many interesting and beautiful works.

How to use craquelure decoupage varnish

Crackle is one of the techniques that mimics the aging of something, for example, in order to make beautiful boxes or to process a plate or several plates. For this, a variety of varnishes are used, which are of two types: one-component and two-component. Each lacquer uses its own technique and a specific lacquer. It is impossible to replace a special varnish for the crackle technique with ordinary ones, since it will not give the desired effect.

But, despite this, when applying varnishes, there are certain tricks:

1. Paint should be applied to the surface, wait for it to dry, and then varnish should be applied to it, which should be applied with a wide soft brush, and those who begin to practice this technique for the first time should use a foam rubber sponge.
2. After the first coat dries, a second coat should be applied if the varnish is two-component. If the varnish is one-component, then one layer is enough, but applied thickly. Varnish can be applied in different directions with a brush or sponge, getting different patterns.

Two-step craquelure in decoupage: master class (video)

A big plus of this technique is that anyone can master it in a relatively short time, but at the same time it is necessary to constantly experiment, do both direct decoupage and reverse decoupage.

And I will decorate the table using craquelure technique.

What is craquelure?

At one time, I also tried to find the perfect craquelure recipe. And what did I conclude? If I was going to decorate a small plate or a picture frame, then I would probably be fine with craquelure varnish from an art store. But my first experience was with decorating an old dressing table and an old chest of drawers, and there are volumes ... making decor with varnish from a store would be very expensive ... Therefore, there is one economical way to create craquelure effect improvised means))).

• solvent
• PVA glue
• dyes for paint
• acrylic lacquer

DIY table decor

Paint over the entire table:

As soon as paint was applied to the entire layer of glue, we proceed to apply glue to the next segment of the surface, and do the same. While we are doing this, the first section has already begun to dry out and craquelure.

Do wonderful things with me, and enjoy your use!!

Here is another very cool table decor idea:

DIY table decor. Craquelure for beginnersHello, my dear and beloved readers)). Today I have an unusual post, if only because it has nothing to do with sewing; and I thought for a long time: should I put this topic on my site or not ...

But this post is directly related to needlework and the desire to give new life to old things. Therefore, today I will share with you my experience of transforming an old Soviet coffee table. It might be useful for some of you :)
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And I will decorate the table using the craquelure technique.

What is craquelure?
This concept came to us from painting, craquelure is such small cracks that have formed over time on the surface of something (pictures, furniture, frames), all antiques that have a varnish coating. Today it has become quite fashionable to give ordinary things an old look. But not every beginner will be able to get the desired result the first time.

At one time, I also tried to find the perfect craquelure recipe. And what did I conclude? If I was going to decorate a small plate or a picture frame, then I would probably be fine with craquelure polish from an art store. But my first experience was with decorating an old dressing table and an old chest of drawers, and there are volumes ... making decor with varnish from a store would be very expensive ... Therefore, there is one economical way to create a craquelure effect with improvised means))).
How to make craquelure with improvised means without special varnishes?
So, we come close to the most important point: what do we need?

solvent
PVA glue
water-based acrylic paint
dyes for paint
acrylic lacquer

And now I would like to say more about PVA glue. It should be bought ONLY at a hardware store, and it should be written on it "for gluing wooden surfaces." It is the quality of the glue that plays a very important role, otherwise the craquelure will not turn out beautiful enough ... It’s just that glue is usually diluted at the stationery points of sale, so it’s not good.

You need to take white water-based paint, and also buy a jar (or two) with paint dye, since you will need to mix two contrasting colors, I have milk and chocolate, so I made both colors from brown dye.
DIY table decor
The first step is to degrease the surface we will be working with. Here is such a "beautiful" table was taken as a basis:

We degrease with any solvent from a hardware store, usually it smells very strong and sharp (not to say worse ... ..), so this step should be done on the street or in a well-ventilated area, but preferably in a non-residential one.

Now I paint the whole table (with legs) with the dark color of the paint that I chose. I'll explain a little more. The final color of the table will be light, but in order for the dark color to show through the cracks, we are now painting over the entire table.

It is more convenient to do this not with a brush, but with a sponge, and do not forget to cover everything with paper, otherwise everything around will be in paint.

Paint over the entire table:

Now we take PVA glue. And just like paint, we apply glue to a small piece of the surface with a sponge, you can’t apply it to the entire surface at once, since the glue dries quickly, and you still need to have time to apply a contrasting paint color on it before the glue starts to dry out with cracks.

We apply a layer of light paint on top of the glue with a sponge, you need to make sure that the paint completely covers the glue layer, but at the same time does not break it, you just need to adapt.

As soon as paint was applied to the entire layer of glue, we proceed to apply glue to the next segment of the surface, and do the same. While we are doing this, the first segment has already begun to dry out and form craquelure.

Thus, we paint over the entire desired surface.

At first I wanted to make table legs with a craquelure effect, but the fact is that the surface we are working with must be exclusively horizontal, since all this liquid viscous mass (glue + paint) simply flows off a vertically standing surface ((. I was too lazy to turn the table on its side, and even wait, and then turn it over to the other side, so I cheated a little, and painted the sides of the table top vertically. and there was only the effect of imposing two colors.

This is what craquelure looks like on a decorated table surface after several days of good drying. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the glue dried up in one place and began to peel off, I had to urgently restore it with acrylic varnish (soak it very abundantly in order to restore the necessary moisture in the layer).

We cover the finished table with acrylic varnish, it is advisable to apply at least two layers. And now such a table will decorate any living room!

The modern world is fast-paced: trendy clothes fall into the “retro” category in a season, the latest smartphone model becomes obsolete faster than we can buy it. Therefore, in a kaleidoscope of rapidly changing disposable items, we are increasingly beginning to appreciate old household items. Scuffs, scratches and cracks on old chests of drawers look more attractive to many than the gloss of laminate and plastic.

Real antique furniture is expensive. And for obvious reasons, it is becoming less and less. But there are many ways to create pseudo-old pieces of furniture from quite modern designs.

I started talking about how to give things a more solid look with a brush and paint in a publication. Here we continue the conversation about the methods of artificial aging of furniture using paints and varnishes.

crackle effect

Have you noticed the grid of small cracks on the surface of the paintings? These cracks (loss of integrity of the paint or varnish layer) are called craquelure- from the French word craquelure (crack).

Craquelure on the Mona Lisa's smile. Photo from en.wikipedia.org

Some even believe that cracks are an integral feature of all old painting. This is not true. In most cases, craquelure is the result of a violation of the technology for applying primer, paint layer and varnish. Another reason for their appearance is mistakes in mixing paints, because earlier artists, unlike us, did not have the opportunity to buy ready-made paints in the Art Supplies store and made them themselves. Of course, the non-ideal conditions of the "life" of the work also play a role in the appearance of the time grid.


A grid of decorative cracks can decorate anything. Photo from magicake.ru

Today, paint cracks are not always a headache for restorers. On sale there are compositions specifically designed to obtain the effect of cracking. A grid of decorative cracks can decorate anything - from a jewelry box to a cake, creating an ambience of antiquity. Crackle can be an addition or an independent decor.

Compositions for craquelure and the principle of action

Crack makers and manufacturers of craquelure varnishes and paints distinguish between two main types of compositions: one-step and two-step. This classification, upon closer examination, is not entirely correct, because the number of stages (steps) in each option is greater. And the abundance of different manufacturers, variations in the chemical composition of products and their characteristics creates confusion.

To better understand the difference, I will explain the principle. I'll start with a simpler option.

• One-step (single-phase) craquelure

Such a coating looks like cracked paint, through the cracks of which the tone of the first (base) layer or the base itself is visible - wood, metal, glass, etc., if the base paint is not used. The action of a one-step composition for obtaining the crackle effect is based on the different drying speeds of the first (lacquer) and second (colorful) coating layers.

First, the object is covered with a layer of base paint, if necessary. The painted surface is allowed to dry completely. Then craquelure varnish is applied, the layer should be quite thick. The varnish dries for about forty minutes (you can speed up the process with a hair dryer), but drying is not complete: the surface should look dry, but incompleteness should be felt “tack-free”.

Options for using different base and finish colors in combination with craquelure. Photo from toolgirl.com

The prepared surface is covered with a layer of finishing paint, for example, acrylic. For ease of application, it should be quite liquid - the surface must be covered at once.

If you drive the brush in one place several times, then the paint will roll, and the bottom layer of varnish will begin to “reach” behind the brush. Therefore, it is important to choose the right brush and the degree of paint density: it is better to make a small "testing ground" - a separate painting. The consistency of the composition also affects the size of the cracks: the thinner the paint, the thinner the cracks.

The direction in which cracks appear depends on the movement of the brush: if you paint vertically, the craquelures will also be stretched in the vertical direction, and vice versa. If you use not a brush, but a roller, the direction of the cracks will be more chaotic - as in the photo above. To achieve this effect when painting small objects, you can use a swab from a piece of foam rubber.

The shape and size of cracks, the rate of their manifestation also depend on the air temperature during drying. Here, too, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process.

• Two-step (two-phase) craquelure

In this case, cracks do not form in the paint layer, but in the top lacquer coating. Its special composition contains substances that contribute to uneven drying, contraction of the varnish surface and the formation of cracks.

Decorative craquelure, formed by a two-step craquelure varnish, resembles just its prototype - a grid of cracks on old canvases. The dimensions of the craquelure, as in the case of working with a single-phase material, depend on the chemical composition and thickness of the varnish layer, the drying rate, that is, on the temperature and humidity of the air.

In this case, you can also try to speed up the drying with a hair dryer, but it is better to try on a sample first. Having mastered the technique and selected the necessary composition, you can achieve neat small cracks, as in old porcelain.

Imitation of antique porcelain with a two-component craquelure varnish. Photo from school-remont.tv

At the second stage, the cracks that have appeared are rubbed with pigment - oil paint (artistic), bituminous varnish, pastel, metallized powder. Even cosmetic shadows are suitable as a grout.

The pigment "shows" a craquelure grid. The choice of grout depends on the composition of the varnish: it is important that the powder sticks only to cracks and is removed from the rest of the surface. For two-step and one-step compositions, the last stage is the same: the surface is covered with ordinary varnish to fix the decorative effect.

How to make craquelure with your own hands

The name "two-step" (two-component, two-phase) did not arise because of the second stage - grouting craquelures with pigments. Initially, two separate components were used to create artificial cracks on the lacquer surface: the lacquer itself and the coating that tightens the lacquer layer when it dries.

For example, you can cover the object with an alcohol solution of shellac, and use gum arabic (a solution of acacia resin) as the second component. This is how the fakes of famous old paintings were made: not only the work of the artist was copied, but also traces of time on the canvas.

The development of the chemical industry made it possible to simplify the process by combining both components in one bottle, and the name "two-step" remained. Although today, most of the proposed range of products for such craquelure really consists of two parts, including shellac and gum arabic. And for a one-step, there are not only intermediate craquelure varnishes, but also paint that cracks itself, without varnish as an underlying layer.

To create such an “antique” effect, decorators use not only finished products: the craftsmen also have improvised tools in their arsenal. So, the effect of a one-step craquelure can be obtained using PVA glue, using it as a craquelure “lacquer” or mixing it with a finishing paint in a 50:50 ratio. Also, the usual building varnish is taken, and not from the range of art stores - it's cheaper. A cracked surface will also be obtained if the paint is applied to a layer of egg white, gelatin, washing gel or dishwashing gel.

And if acrylic paint is wiped with 9% vinegar, then it will partially dissolve the paint coating, creating a kind of microcracks. The choice of means depends on what effect you want to get.

By the way, crackle can be made not only with varnish and paint (although varnish is still required, but only as a final coating). This method is a good fine motor training because the cracking is created by the eggshell inlay.

Egg shell craquelure. Photo from blog.alexanderlamont.com

And in conclusion, I suggest watching a video on how craquelures are obtained on the surface of furniture using professional tools.

Antiques, as you know, have always been and will be in fashion. Antiques can give the room a special charm, bring the spirit of the past into the interior. But not everyone can afford to buy them. In this case, the craquelure technique comes to the rescue.

Creation techniques

The term "craquelure" refers more to painting. This is the name of small cracks that form from time to time in paintings and art objects. This technique is quite interesting and requires experimentation. But in the end it can turn out to be a real masterpiece. And it is not necessary to resort to professional means to create it. Everything can be done at home with the help of improvised means. All you need is a desire. Brushes for creativity https://masterica.com.ua/kisti-mastikhiny.html in a wide range.

Using egg white

On the surface of the object to which you give the effect of "antique", apply acrylic paint. Preferably two layers. Let her dry a little. After that, using a brush, apply the egg white. Let it dry naturally, without applying additional heat. And then apply paint in a contrasting color.

Liquid washing gel - an assistant in the craquelure technique

Apply the base color to the surface and leave it to dry completely. Next, use a brush to coat with gel. And it is better to use a thicker gel. Dilute the paint well and cover the gel with it.

Craquelure with PVA glue

Cover the surface with paint. Let her dry. Then apply diluted glue sparingly. Cover with a thicker layer of acrylic paint almost immediately. Here it is already desirable to use a hair dryer to dry the layers. The result is a lot of cracks.

Craquelure using gelatin

You will need 1 tablespoon of gelatin dissolved in a glass of warm water. As a base, use a layer of acrylic paint. After it dries, apply a layer of gelatin. If you want the cracks to be rougher, then the gelatin layer should be thicker. After the gelatin has not completely dried, apply a layer of paint again, dry the surface. Then, for fixing, cover with a layer of varnish.

Vinegar for artificial aging

Apply acrylic paint to the surface. Wait until the layer is completely dry. Then apply 9% table vinegar with a sponge. The object must be processed very quickly, because cracks appear immediately.

Furniture varnish and craquelure

Remember the main thing - when using varnish, it is necessary to ventilate the room, use gloves and a mask, or do not inhale deep vapors of varnish.
Apply varnish to the product. Let dry for at least 4 hours. When the polish is still a little tacky, apply a coat of acrylic paint. And then proceed to dry with a hair dryer. After all these steps, let the item dry for a day and a half. And the "antique" is ready.

Of course, creating a craquelure surface requires some skill. With each item crafted with an antique effect, your experience will increase. And after a while you will already get unique masterpieces. Dare!

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Two main types of craquelure are used:

- one-step;
- two-step.

They can also be called single-phase and two-phase.

One-step craquelure is a network of decorative cracks in the paint through which another color applied to the base is visible, or directly the base of the product itself. This type of craquelure is easier to perform, but very effective.

Two-step craquelure is obtained by a more delicate network of cracks covering the surface of the product. The composition for this type of craquelure differs from the one-step one, and the cracks are thin and almost airy. They can be made of any shade, wiped with coloring pigments, but the brighter, contrasting to the main background, mesh of cracks looks best. Both craquelure techniques are great for decorating wood, glass, ceramics, and even metal. For your convenience and saving time, manufacturing companies produce ready-made kits, which have everything you need for decorating in the craquelure style, with detailed instructions.

How to make one step craquelure at home. Necessary materials. Sequence of work.

You will need:

1) The object being decorated itself. You can decorate a wooden panel, a box, an old chest of drawers, a metal product, ceramic plates or a glass bottle you like - everything your imagination can do!

2) Sandpaper - if the base is wooden. Alcohol for degreasing - when working with glass and metal.

3) Primer. Acrylic primer is suitable for wood and ceramics, and for glass surfaces it is better to take a primer specifically for glass (drying, it becomes transparent), because. other types of primer on glass surfaces may peel off with a film along with craquelure. For metal, a primer is also needed, for example, special for metal or for smooth surfaces. Please note that a primer is required for glass, ceramics and metal!

When decorating a wooden surface, depending on the desired result, you can do without a primer. For example, if you want to leave a more obvious natural wooden texture, or according to the idea of ​​​​the decorator, the base of the product should be visible through the cracks.

4) Paints in two colors: one color for the bottom layer, which will shine through the cracks, the other will cover the top layer. It is better to take acrylic paints, and as for the color of cracks, contrasting colors and metallic shades look especially advantageous. If the base of the product remains as the bottom layer, only one color of paint is enough.

5) Brushes for paint and varnish, synthetics are preferred. The paint is also easy to apply with a sponge.

6) A jar of water.

7) One-step craquelure varnish (this varnish forms cracks).

8) Lacquer to fix the decor. Acrylic, acrylic-pistachio or shellac varnish is perfect.

Progress of work: How to make one-step craquelure?

Step_5 Apply the next layer - paint of a different color. Through this layer, the color of the cracks applied first or the base of the natural shade will be visible. The paint should not be too thick, it can be slightly diluted with water, and then large bright cracks will appear on the paint of a more liquid consistency. For small cracks, it is better to dilute the paint with acrylic varnish or a special thinner.

What does it take to make a two-step craquelure?

You will need:

1) The object to be decorated is wooden, ceramic, glass or metal.

2) Sandpaper - if the base is wooden. Alcohol for degreasing - when working with metal or glass. The surface to be decorated must be smooth, if necessary, it can be covered with a layer of acrylic varnish.

3) Primer. For glass, metal and ceramics, it is a must! For wooden and ceramic surfaces, an acrylic primer is suitable, and for metal and glass, special primers for these materials or a primer for a smooth surface. As with one-step craquelure, you can do without a primer if, for example, you want to leave a more pronounced texture of the tree or the base of the product needs to be visible through the cracks.

4) Paint for the base of the product, best of all acrylic. Colored dye or pigment on a water, oil or wax basis - for rubbing into cracks. You can also use pounded pastel, and to give the cracks an iridescent shade - mother-of-pearl paint.

5) Brushes for paints and varnish. An excellent choice would be flat synthetic brushes.

6) A piece of cotton cloth or a sponge to rub the dye into the cracks.

7) Lucky. In the technique of two-step craquelure, two types of varnish are used: shellac and craquelure. They are also referred to as step #1 and #2 (base coat and top coat).

Progress of work: How to make a two-step craquelure?

Step_3 We paint the surface and wait for the paint to dry completely. This is the color of the base, which will then be covered with cracks. If the cracks should be located against the background of the natural surface of the product, or the workpiece is pre-made using the decoupage technique, then this step is also skipped.

Step_4 We apply shellac varnish with a wide synthetic brush (step No. 1, base coat) in 2 or 3 layers. Dry each layer thoroughly before further work. The longer the varnish dries, the smaller the cracks will be.

Step_7 We fix the decor with shellac varnish (step No. 1, base coat) or a protective finish varnish. For a decorative product, 1 coat of varnish is sufficient, and for furniture or objects that will be used frequently, 2-3 coats will be required.

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