Craftsman Crate: The Crackle Paint Crate

Description

Craquelure or crackle is a pattern of fine, dense cracking on surfaces. Paint, varnish, and lacquer naturally crack as they age from temperature changes, weathering, and the force of impacts, although sometimes it is intentionally sought after, such as in Chinese Ge ware pottery. In the 1970s, George Stout set out to describe the different crack patterns seen. This work was continued in the 1990s when Spike Bucklow began to connect the type of crack pattern seen to the materials used by the painter or craftsman. Turns out the study of cracking is a real science.

Some of the first to really study how to create crackling intentionally, though, were forgers trying to pass off their copies of the Old Masters as authentic by giving them the appearance of age, but also legitimate artists creating known reproductions and museum conservationists who needed to make repairs that matched the original works.

Eventually, catalysts were developed that created a more reliable crackle effect with paints, although there will always be an art to it since the proportion of paint and crackle media changes the effect. Now there is even a software program to add a crackle effect to digital images. In this crate, we’ll learn how to make wood projects look like antiques.

The Crackle Paint Crate Contains: 

Crackle Medium

Chalky Finish Paints, light and dark

Ultra-Matte Varnish

Chip Brush

Foam Brush

Practice Wood

Wood Frame

Wood Candlestick

Paint Cups

Sanding Sponge

Gloves

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