How do I finish a product using DecoArt One Step Crackle

Question

Using decoart's one step crackle medium to distress a large wood armoire. I painted a base color, painted a top color, then used the crackle product as directed. It crackled beautifully but now there is obvious "plasticky" looking smears where I painted the crackle product. It looks awful and messy. It doesn't come off with a sander, a razor blade, or soap and water. Any ideas? Maybe an all over coating of polyurethane?

Answer 1

This is a crackle medium that I have had a similar problem with.  You can try to use a matte non-yellowing UVB/UVA protecting polyurethane to conceal it, but on my project, that took several coats because it kept bleeding through.  For furture reference, the products that require painting a basecoat, then the crackle medium and then the top coat (which is what crackles) give a much better finish and crackle can be controlled as to whether you want large or small veining.

Answer 2

I prefer the crackle medium - where it goes between the coats of paint just for the reason you describe.  If you are happy with the crackle effect you got, but just  not the finish then yes - cover it with a coat of polyurethane.