Artisan Enhancements - Crackle Tex
Crackle Tex by Artisan Enhancements ® is bio-based, hypo-allergenic, low odor, NO VOC, and environmentally sustainable. Crackle Tex is a thick medium that allows water based paints or plasters to create “chunky”, chipped crackled effects. Crackle Tex reproduces the sophisticated, aged, antiqued look of weathered paint and/or plaster.
Recommended Use: Crackle Tex is formulated for application on cabinets, furniture, and walls. Ideal on previously painted or sealed surfaces. Crackle Tex is NOT intended to crack latex or oil paint. Crackle Tex is formulated to be used with water based flat paint, such as Wise Owl or other clay/mineral paints.
Application:
Prepare the sealed base surface. The base surface or base coat is the layer that will be seen through the cracks of the topcoat layer of plaster or paint. If an undercoat or base coat of paint is desired, apply the paint and allow the paint to completely dry before applying the Crackle Tex layer. Crackle Tex can also be applied to stained or natural sealed wood surfaces. If working on a surface that will not be base coated with paint, make sure the surface has been previously sealed. If the surface is unsealed, seal the surface first with Clear Topcoat Sealer by Artisan Enhancements ®.
Brush or roll-on a liberal coat of Crackle Tex to the prepared/base coated surface. Use light pressure when brushing or rolling Crackle Tex to avoid over working the crackle medium as it begins to dry. Crackle Tex will go on “milky” but will dry clear, allow the Crackle Tex to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Apply a topcoat of plaster or paint to the dry Crackle Tex layer. The topcoat is the layer where cracks will appear once dried. For easy plaster applications, use the Color Shaper by Artisan Enhancements ® or a trowel to apply plaster topcoats for thick and heavy crackled finishes. For paint applications, use a brush or roller to apply the paint topcoat. Cracks will appear as soon as the topcoat of plaster or paint starts to dry. To eliminate early appearing cracks accidently being plastered or painted over, avoid excessive pressure and don’t overwork the topcoat. Once top coat is dry seal the surface with Clear Finish by Artisan Enhancements ® (for additional sheen) or Clear Topcoat Sealer by Artisan Enhancements ® (for high use and exterior surfaces). Follow the recommended instructions for Clear Topcoat Sealer and Clear Finish cure times before using the surface.
