What is crackle paint?

It is a type of acrylic paint that is specifically formulated to create a crackled or distressed appearance on a surface. When applied over a base coat, the topcoat of this effect paint will crack and split, revealing the color of the underlying layer. This can be used to create a vintage or aged look on furniture, walls, or other decorative items, although it is widely used in miniatures, figures, and other elements in dioramas and scale models. 

There are different types of this sort of special colors available depending on the color and the transparency, such as Martian Earth, Badlands, and Mojave Mudcrack with color, and then the transparent version Winterfell Plains. Colored ones could be mixed with weathering pigments to achieve new colors. 

How to crackle paint effect - Painting miniatures

The popular crackle paint effect is a technique that creates a cracked, distressed look on a surface. This can be achieved by applying a layer over a base coat. It has been formulated with a cracking agent that causes the topcoat to crack and split, revealing the color of the underlying layer. The size and pattern of the cracks will vary depending on the amount of product that is applied and the method of application.

To answer the question of how to crackle paint and get a nice cracked surface, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Prep the surface: Make sure the surface you're working on is clean, dry, and smooth.
2. Apply a base coat: Apply any base coat of acrylic color to the surface. This will be shown through the cracks in the topcoat. Allow the base coat to dry completely. Better to base coat in a matt finish since a gloss finish will reduce the fixation. 
3. Apply Thin or thick Layers: thin or thick depending on the desired final effect, an even coat over the base will be important to maintain the same appearance over the entire surface. It's important to work quickly as it normally dries quickly.
4. Allow to dry: Allow to dry completely which may take several hours, depending on the humidity and temperature.
5. Apply a topcoat: Once it is fully dry, you can apply a topcoat of medium decoupage, an acrylic varnish, or just a dilution of PVA glue with water at 50%, if desired, to seal the cracks.

Things or additions that could alter its performance would be, for example, adding white glue, increasing the dilution with some medium or even water, and too much liquid colorant, which could affect its behavior. If you want to modify the color, we recommend adding only earth pigments in powder form that will not change it too much its base, and also increase its density.

Remember to experiment on a small scale before applying any modifications to a larger project, as these types of effects can be unpredictable. Finding the right combination of elements is key to achieving the desired crackle effect.

Where not to use the Cracking Effect

The cracking effect is a versatile technique that can be used on a variety of surfaces by model makers, painters, and other hobbyists and craft enthusiasts, but it may not work well or at all on certain surfaces. Some examples of surfaces where this distressed paint may not work well include:

• Non-porous surfaces: the important key point relies on this being able to penetrate and adhere to the surface, which is difficult on non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, and glass.
• Smooth surfaces: A smooth and glossy surface may not provide enough surface area to adhere to, which can result in less pronounced cracks.
• Flexible surfaces: Applying to a flexible surface such as fabric or leather may not work well as the cracks will not be visible as the surface moves and flexes.
• Recently painted surfaces: If the surface has been painted recently, it may not be dry enough, making it difficult for the cracking effect paint to adhere.
• Outdoor surfaces: It is not suitable for exterior use, as it is not UV resistant and will deteriorate quickly with exposure to the elements.

It's important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface before applying it to the entire surface, to ensure that it will work well and achieve the desired finish.

What's a crackle medium?

In general terms, a crackle medium is just a crackle paint without color, basically a type of substance used in art and craft to create an aged appearance on surfaces. It is often applied between layers of other colors or even varnish. As the top color dries, it will cause breakage., revealing the underlying layer and giving the finished result a weathered and aged look.

When used for decorating miniature bases, it is applied over a base coat on the base's surface. Once dry, it would be normally just finished, but sometimes it is good to dry brush another different color on top. This technique adds depth and character to the miniature base, making it look weathered and worn, which enhances the overall appearance of the miniature figurine or model.