Crackle medium help?

Question

Lastnight I bought some crackle medium for some beads. (Delta Ceramcoat® Crackle Medium) It didnt go so well, but I realize it was my 1st try. I just had some questions.

1.When it says that the cracks will follow the brush strokes, is that the strokes from the crackle medium or the brush strokes from my top coat of paint? I was using a fairly soft brush for the crackle so not many strokes off of that. I do have harder brushes.

2. Can I put more than 1 layer of crackle? Like paint, crackle, paint, crackle, paint and have it turn out with 2 crackle colors with a base coat underneath?

3.Can I wash off the beads that didnt turn out and redo them? (bottle says washes off with soap and water, but I wasnt sure)

Does anyone have any tips or websites with good tutorials (pics preferred) on how to do this? I went to Glass Attic (even though it confuses me) and I did find some information, but nothing that really helped. (everything is so jumbled together there anyway)

Answer 1

I have never crackled beads before but I imagine the technique is the same. You will only see the

crackle effect when you use two contrasting colors. Paint either light color first or dark color

first. Let dry completely. Apply crackle medium

and let dry. It will be a little tacky. Then apply final

color(top coat). Brush the paint in one direction

and don't go back over it. The expression,"follows

the brush stroke" means the direction you applied

the top coat. Let dry. Add your finishing coat.

You should see the crackling effect almost

immediately after you apply the top coat of color.

I would use basic acrylic paint but fabric will work

okay.