SURFACE PREPARATION:

 

All surfaces must be clean, sound, and non-absorbent. If priming is necessary, we

recommend Primer.

APPLICATION:

 

Step 1:

Apply one coat of Crackle by brush, roller, to a properly prepared surface. Remember: this initial coat of paint will be the color of the cracks. Let dry completely, approximately one hour. If a natural brick or wood surface is desired for the base, first seal with Satin Varnish and allow to dry completely.

 

Step 2:

Apply one coat of Crackle  by brush, roller. When applying by roller, a medium- or long-nap 4-inch ‘sausage roller’ (such as a Wizz™ roller) works best. The thicker the application, the larger the cracks will be.  DO NOT THIN.  Allow to dry to touch, approximately 45 minutes.

 

Step 3:

Apply one thick coat of any color Venetian Plaster (this plaster will be the overall color). The thicker the application, the larger the cracks will be. Work quickly especially in hot, dry climates

because the cracking process begins as the plaster dries. When brushing, “cross-hatch” your brush strokes in both directions. The Venetian Plaster will crack along the brush stroke and will create erratic, wide cracks. When rolling, use a medium nap roller. (Rolling or spraying will create a more uniform, consistent crack.) DO NOT back roll or back brush; this will disturb the cracking process. For best results, apply within a 6-hour period in a relatively dry environment. Let dry completely, approximately 24 hours.
Hint:  A blow dryer set to medium heat may be used to speed up the drying time of each stage. To prevent the paint from drying before it has finished cracking in Step 3, hold the dryer at least 10 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) away from the surface.