Crackle medium vs Elmers glue?

Question

I am going to attempt crackling on polymer clay beads. I was reading on the internet that instead of a crackle meduim, you can use elmers glue and get the same results.

I was curious if anyone has tried using either or both methods and if anyone had any suggestions and/or tips for the process.

I also wanted to know if my beads should be pre-baked.

All help is apprecieated. I couldnt find a whole lot of information on the internet about it. (please dont link me to glass attic... I get confused there and am more of a visual person, so pics are helpful)

Thanks!!

Answer 1

I haven't heard of using (permanent) white glue for crackling but since some acrylic paints will crackle (once dry and stretched), it may work.  (White glues will dry clear, but they're more susceptible to cloudiness later from humidity than polyurethanes, etc. however.)

"Crackle medium" (like Anita's Crackle Medium) on the other hand is sold as two parts and only the part used for the top (last) coat will crackle --the bottom (first) part is just a colorant.

The most commonly used materials for crackling on polymer clay are clear acylic finishes; some acrylic paints, inks, and tempera; and metallic leaf.  All need to be stretched in order to work though (after being dried) so they must be used on raw clay.

Crackle mediums otoh are used on baked clay since they crackle without having to be stretched.    

I know you don't want to read the info at GlassAttic but there should be some links to photos there as well... and on the chance you just haven't found where to look for the  info on crackling all those materials, they'd be at these pages and categories:

Paints >  Crackling, Stretching, & Manipulating Paints

Finishes >  Crackling Finishes & Crackling

Letters-Inks >  Surface Techniques (Crackling, etc.)

HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

I used elmer's glue mixed with a homemade paste with tissue paper on a glass vase it made it look crackled but yet glossy.  I've never tried it on beads but I bet it would work great.