Rayher Crackle Varnish for Cracked Paint Effect

Rayher Crackle Varnish – Cracked Paint Effect for Acrylic Paints

With Rayher crackle varnish you can give wood, cardboard objects or decorative items an antique, aged look. The clear varnish goes between two layers of acrylic paint: the top colour cracks as it dries, and the colour underneath shows through the cracks.

Choose your size from the options. A small bottle is enough for small decorative pieces and test areas; for larger surfaces, allow for more accordingly.

Working with the crackle varnish

Choose two acrylic paints that contrast clearly, for example dark blue underneath and white on top. The base colour will only show in the cracks in the end.

• Paint the surface with the first acrylic paint and leave it to dry thoroughly. If the object has already been painted with acrylic paint, you can skip this step.
• Apply the crackle varnish evenly and leave it to dry.
• Paint the second colour evenly over the dry varnish. As it dries, it cracks and the first colour shows through in places.

Tips on choosing colours

The top colour should not be a metallic paint, as these do not usually crack. Metallic shades, on the other hand, work well as the bottom colour. Apply the top colour quickly and, if possible, in one direction, without going over the same spot several times. A test piece will show you in advance what the crack pattern looks like with your colours.

Rayher crackle varnish product details

• Manufacturer: Rayher
• Product type: crackle varnish
• Colour: clear
• Use: between two acrylic paints
• Effect: cracks in the top paint layer, antique look

You will also need: two acrylic paints in clearly different shades, brush for applying

Contains BIT (1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one) as an in-can preservative. May produce an allergic reaction.