Technique for applying decorative plaster Craquelure

There are countless ways to add distinctive textures and finishes to your walls using decorative plaster techniques, and one of the most eye-catching ones is craquelure. This method gives any area a worn-out, cracked appearance that gives it personality and a sense of the past. Craquelure can be a great option whether you’re trying to replicate the allure of an old-fashioned interior or just want to add some visual interest.

There are a few crucial steps in applying Craquelure that call for dexterity and steadiness. Although the process might initially seem a little intimidating, both professionals and do-it-yourselfers can master it with the right tools and a little perseverance. It will all be worthwhile because of the finished product, which turns plain walls into artistic masterpieces.

From surface preparation to the final protective coating, we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of applying decorative plaster craquelure in this article. We’ll provide pointers and advice along the way to help you get the best results and make sure your walls look amazing and last a lifetime. Let’s get started and investigate the method that can infuse any interior with a hint of sophistication and elegance.

Adding character and depth to any wall or surface can be achieved simply and effectively by applying decorative plaster with a Craquelure finish. This method is well-liked for adding an exquisite, worn-in feel to a space because it produces an antique, cracked appearance. You can create distinctive patterns that highlight the beauty of the cracks and give each application a unique look by layering the plaster carefully and regulating the drying time. Even for do-it-yourselfers, this tutorial will show you how to achieve a gorgeous Craquelure effect, guaranteeing a polished finish.

Advantages and disadvantages

The foundation of the artificial aging technology known as Crackle is the creation of artistic cracks in the plaster material’s color layer. In interior design, plaster can be used alone or in conjunction with other finishing materials and methods (decoupage, painting).

• decorative;
• the ability to create an author"s interior design;
• versatility of use, because.. plaster can be used to decorate walls made of brick, concrete, plasterboard;
• variety of application techniques;
• the material can be used for finishing columns, walls, basements, ceilings;
• the coating is moisture resistant;
• the ability to enhance the aging effect of the surface;
• areas with cracks can be painted over, changing the design;
• environmental friendliness of the composition;
• wide range of textures, color solutions;
• a variety of plaster can be used to correct minor surface irregularities;
• durability, wear resistance;
• resistance to mechanical damage.

• complexity of application;
• high cost of materials.

Types and methods of creating craquelure

Manufacturers produce a variety of decorative plasters, including craquelure.

• single -step (single -phase);
• two -step (two -phase);
• Two -component microkelyur;
• Cracles from the shell of eggs and t.D.

Single -step single -phase craquelure

Applying single-phase craquelure is simple and appropriate for novices. After application, a one-step solution is comparable to cracked paint, allowing the base material (glass, ceramics, wood, or steel) or the lower painted layer to show through the cracks.

1. The wall panel is treated with a layer of dye that will shine through the cracks. Golden, metallic, silver, bronze shades look spectacular on the walls, but you can leave the base unpainted
2. After the paint has dried, a thick layer of craquelure varnish is applied to the surface. The composition is dried for 40 minutes.
3. Acrylic dyes are used as the second layer, the composition can be diluted with water before use. To create shallow cracks, the paint is diluted with acrylic varnish. The prepared mixture is applied with a wide, hard brush.
4. Drying of the coating can be accelerated by using a hair dryer. Cracks will gradually appear on the treated walls and ceiling.
5. After a day, it is recommended to fix the layer with a varnish coating. You can use an acrylic-based composition, as well as shellac or acrylic-pistachio varnish.

Two-step two-phase craquelure

Utilizing two-step craquelure plaster is more challenging; as a base, you can apply a gold tone or paint designs or pictures onto the surface. Thin cracks, cracked varnish over an image (decoupage, painting), or a plain background of any color can all be mistaken for craquelure.

1. For the first layer, use shellac varnish, lightened or unlightened. When using the latter, a patination effect is created.
2. Shellac composition is applied in several layers, each coating is slightly dried (15-30 minutes).
3. After the varnish dries, craquelure varnish is applied on top. The drying speed is affected by the level of air humidity. The room must have dry air for quick work.
4. After cracks appear, the surface is rubbed with grated pastel, oil paint for art works, bitumen varnish. Work is carried out using a sponge or fabric made of natural fibers.
5. At the final stage, the plaster is fixed with a shellac varnish composition.

Eggshell craquelure

Natural materials are used to create ornamental plaster "cracks." When applying a faux-aging finish to surfaces, eggshells work best. After being rinsed, the raw materials are brushed and cleaned with a detergent solution in warm water. After that, the material is dried and the film is taken out of the shell.

After applying PVA glue or acrylic varnish to the primed surface, the dried shell is glued to it. Egg shell fragments are arranged at tiny intervals.

The coating is dried after portions of the shell are applied to the surface. After that, an acrylic composition is painted. You can use oil paint or pastel crayons to rub the spaces in between the shell fragments.

Craquelure using faceted varnish

Beveled varnish can be used to create plaster that has a craquelure appearance. This kind of product perfectly absorbs into base materials (wood, cardboard, and ceramics) and sticks to walls well.

A glossy varnish or primer is applied to plastic or glass surfaces prior to applying the faceted composition.

A facet varnish type is distinguished by its thick paste-like consistency. The composition is applied using a spatula, and a palette knife, spatula, sponge, or hard brush are used to form the pattern. A minimum of 2 mm should be the layer thickness. There is equal distribution of the composition. The thickness of the coating affects how long it takes to dry; a dense application can take up to a day.

Two-component microcraquelure

A combination of craquelure varnishes, known as two-component microcraquelure plaster, is used to replicate tiny cracks on panels, giving the appearance of a thin web.

1. A transparent primer is applied to the prepared surface and dried.
2. Then craquelure plaster is applied. The depth and thickness of the layer are determined by the direction of the brush, the thickness of the varnish layer.
3. After drying, the cracks are emphasized with pigment, antique paste, oil-based dyes or liquid patina. As a result, cracks from 1 mm are formed. Varnishes for performing the microcraquelure technique are colorless.
4. The tone of the decorated area does not change, the aging of the surface is reproduced on top due to the cracking of the layer.

The method works well on painted and glass surfaces. The composition takes on water-resistant properties after drying. Ultimately, a finishing varnish is used to seal the coating.

Craquelure paint

Applying craquelure paint is simple and only requires one step. After drying, the composition enables you to achieve a craquelure effect. After the dyes are applied to the surface with a brush and given time to set, the layer begins to fracture, creating a web of tiny fissures.

Necessary materials

• paint for the base, which will shine through the cracks;
• craquelure varnish, 100 g of varnish will be required per 1 m² of wall;
• textured plaster for decoration;
• dye (acrylic or latex);
• decorative wax;
• special grout for cracks;
• transparent fixing varnish;
• primer, etc..

Tools for work

• spatulas;
• brushes;
• rollers;
• sponges;
• spray gun;
• hair dryer;
• fabric;
• scotch tape for construction work;
• sandpaper sheets, etc..

Preparing the surface of the walls

Preparing the surface is necessary before applying plaster or varnish. Dust, grime, old finishing materials (wallpaper, dyes), and oil stains need to be removed and cleaned of grease. It is necessary to level the base, putty the surface, prime it, and remove any flaws or depressions.

The rewarding process of applying decorative plaster with a craquelure effect gives any space character and sophistication. This method, which is distinguished by its distinctive cracked pattern, can turn plain walls into gorgeous focal points that exude a feeling of classic elegance.

The outcomes are well worth the effort, even though the process calls for some patience and a steady hand. You can get an artistic and long-lasting finish by layering the plaster carefully and letting the cracks appear naturally. Since no two applications will ever look the same, this method encourages creativity and adds a personalized touch to each project.

Craquelure plaster is an adaptable option for adding a vintage touch to a traditional space or enhancing a modern interior. It looks good on feature walls in business spaces as well as living rooms. You can master this technique and experience the satisfaction of producing something genuinely unique with the correct tools and some practice.

Video on the topic

Recipe Wax for Venetian plaster Craquelure from gypsum putty Donetsk

Decorative plaster texture Craquelure

golden cracks. craquelure varnish

Craquelure It"s simple ??? Working with craquelure varnish.

How to apply? | Craquelure varnish. Crack effect. Apply craquelure varnish and the plaster will crack itself.