How to create a crackle paint finish! (Vid #181)

[rraley55]

i have watched and watched this again and I still cant get it right....i am trying to crackle a wooden cross that is about 18" tall and i mess it up everytime....what about a large area like this cross instead of a chip sample...any hints/tips? thanks

[cineak9]

Have wanted to do crackle painting for years but was afraid to start & didn't understand where to start. Your video was the BEST I found out there. Thanks so much for posting all your tips & ideas! Have a beat up end table I want to crackle & appreciate the tip of practicing on a shoebox first. The retail hardware stores don't even offer a video that compares to yours!

[jannaviles]

@cineak9 awwww. your so sweet! Thanks for watching and commenting. Have fun crackling and have a great day! :) Jules

[patriciaviramontes]

Thank you so much for sharing. I bought the crackle paint and have been scared to use it. Its been sitting there for like 3 months. Now that I saw your video, I think I will give it a try. I feel more positive to do this technique....thanks for sharing

[jannaviles]

@patriciaviramontes I'm so glad I could help. just be sure to practice on scrap chipboard till you are really confident. Thanks for watching and commenting! Jules:)

[rraley55]

curious....can you use any color as a top coat. for example i am doing a turquoise cross but i used the turquoise as a basecoat...applied crackle then applied the turquoise again which i now know was a mistake, so i can use say buttermilk paint apply the crack then the turquoise?

[jannaviles]

@rraley55 Oh yeah!! You can!! That sounds like a gorgeous choice of colors! In this video I did use a "warm white" or "vintage white"...but if you wanted to go with a darker version you can but I would suggest, as you probably already learned with the turquoise on turquoise...you should do it on a scrap piece of cardboard first to see the color combos, like you're making your own swatch! Have fun experimenting! :) TFW!! :)

[toolpartiesbydana]

you are such an aswsome teacher! I have been trying to crackle for the last 2 hrs and arghhhh! but then I came back to Youtube and brought this vid up and VOILA! I was missing a step and your complete instructions was soooooooo helpful.

[jannaviles]

@toolpartiesbydana Thank you so much! I appreciate that you watched my video:) I was scared to play with the medium for the longest time and when I finally did it....I LOVED it! Have fun with your project and thanks for watching! Jules:)

[MrJayson1464]

Thanks was wondering how this worked. Would like to try to add this to a mask I paint to see what happens.

[jannaviles]

@MrJayson1464 Hey there! Were you able to try this? I was curious too when I read your comment! :) Jules

[arcand88]

@MrJayson1464 for a friday the 13 th you will have to do it on the hard way

[giggles10126]

Say I want to use this technique on a jewelry/keepsake box that might see plenty of handling, do I need to use any kind of finish to seal it? I'm still reluctant to try this out if it's going to chip til it's just the base paint...

[jannaviles]

@giggles10126 Hi there! I think to be safe to do it anyways if your somewhat worried about it. To tell you the truth I haven't had anything long enough to see it chipping down to the base paint. I do think if it chips hear and there, it would enhance the vintage look your already giving it with the crackling you know! :) Just my thought. Thanks for watching! Jules:)

[kcreasian]

I just tried the crackle paint technique with elmers glue. What do you think of it? It didn't turn out so well for me but then again I may not have the technique down correctly. Also, you say to wait until the medium dries but in other tutorials they tell you to wait until it's tacky but still a bit wet before applying the last coat of acrylic.... do we have to wait until the medium is completely dry in your technique?

[jannaviles]

@kcreasian Hi:) Thanks so much for the comment and questions! I think that whatever works for you...use it!...and use it a few times till you really know if you like it or not!:) If I needed to use it I would...to save money ya know!? Yes, for me, I wait...i tried to use it while it was tacky but I kept smearing it, that was frustrating. It works when it's dry...so why not....use things how you need to for you, yeah follow directions but figure out how you can use it and if you like it:) Hugs!

[shugocharalover14]

THANK YOU! that is the same crackle medium i bought and was culeless to use ! :)

is it true if you apply the medium thinker it will have bigger cracks?

[jannaviles]

@shugocharalover14 Hey there!!! Yes it's true!!, I like it right in the middle, not too thin or too thick of a layer!! Thanks so much for watching!! Jules:)

[90loneeagle]

thank you for sharing miss!!

[jannaviles]

@90loneeagle Hey there! Your welcome,thanks for watching, have a great rest of your week!! Jules:)

[TiffanyHope21]

hey i been trying to find an answer to a crackle med question, maybe someone can help. is crackle med just a surface thing or once you do it can u then paint a picture over it and can you paint a whole picture then use the crackle med on top to make everything crack like if i were to paint trees/land and so on? anyone that can help plz let me know asap

[jannaviles]

@TiffanyHope21 Hi there sweetie! I hope I understand what your asking here.I have not used it any other way than what the video shows. This medium needs to be either sandwiched between paint layers or if the base is the color you want then the medium then another top coat. If you paint a picture and then add the medium, there has to be another layer of paint on top...I suggest you speak with someone at a craft or art store and ask for different kinds of mediums, sorry I couldn't help more. Jules

[TiffanyHope21]

an i have tryed almost everything...does the surface have to be completly smooth or something, idk ive try it on paper, gesso'ing a canvas an sanding it smooth and also just on a reg canvas...what am i doing wrong?

[TiffanyHope21]

@jannaviles thank u very much for your reply, i wonder if i did the base like you did then waited for it to crack then painted a picture on top of it an then the med on top of my picture then for the top layer just do like a clear coat if that would make the picture itself crackle, also lol idk why im even askin about how to make a picture crack when i cant even make the base crack, i have tryed an tryed an did exactly what ur vid shows an also looked at other videos an it just wont crack

[jannaviles]

@TiffanyHope21 Hey there, ok, for a photo? or a painted pic?...I think for that (i must have misunderstood or just had a brain fart) for sure, buy a bottle of crackle accents...it is a liquid medium by "Inkssentials" (Ranger really) and it is a one time application....it's just like glossy accents, but once applied, it will just crack and nothing else giving the crackle finish...so after the pic ad the crackle accents and let it dry...it will crackle as it's drying!!! xoxo

[jannaviles]

@jannaviles oh...but the bottle is 2oz.! I don't know ...I don't think it comes bigger but research that...your pic should not be too big...unless you don't mind using it all up on one project...the bottle is just under 8 or 9 bux! use a coupon at Michaels!! Let me know how it goes!! Jules:)

[worminmyapple]

WOW!!!!! I have some of this and I've been using it wrong all this time... I just layered it over the paint, but your way you get a much better effect...

You know you're awesome right???

Thanks....

[jannaviles]

@worminmyapple your funny! Thanks so much for watching!! xoxo

[TheScrapchick]

What a great tutorial! Thanks for showing every step!!! I really appreciate it! Coleen

[jannaviles]

@TheScrapchick Hi Coleen! your so welcome! Thanks for watching, I hope to bring so much more. Have a great week! xoxo Jules:)

[smscrapper]

Thanks so much for this video Jules. I've been wanting to try crackle medium. Super cool :) Hope you are feeling better! Sharon M.

[blaacat]

Very cool technique!  Thanks for sharing

[4nikkimay]

what kind of paint brush is that? I would love to try this... TFS

[jannaviles]

@4nikkimay oh wow...it's so old  the name rubbed off it and it's chipping...sorry, but any flat bristle that is sorta wide:) Hope that helps! xoxo Jules:)

[shoeprincess1]

@4nikkimay I bought a pack of basic brushes from AC Moore that is called Artist's Loft. It's a 3/4" Flat. I think Michael's and JoAnn's carries it too! Good luck, Brigitte

[pinkscrapper99]

COOL BEANS!:> Feel better Jules!

[jannaviles]

@pinkscrapper99 hahaha...never heard that phrase before! your funny! Thanks Ms Carlene....ahh, gotta email you the cake recipe...manana ok! ;) xoxo jules

[pinkscrapper99]

@jannaviles No kidding! My kids taught it to me, they used to say it all the time!

[mrsnicol2009]

so just a couple questions - this one may seem silly but does "Medium" mean the same thing as paint or what????

second question - do you seal it after you put your final top layer and if so what?

[jannaviles]

@mrsnicol2009 Those aren't silly...silly! haha Medium is just saying like.."the substance" it is what "causes" or what makes a "way" for the effect to occur:) I don't seal it, but you can use "Preserve it" or Modge Podge if you want to, :) TFW! xoxo Jules

[MyScrapWorld]

One of my favorite things to use...that stuff is awesome.TFS

[jannaviles]

@MyScrapWorld It's a cool effect! I love it too! TFW! xoxo

[mississchic]

Great video. When I tried it didn't want to work. Of course, I had no idea what I was doing. I think I was over painting or something. Thanks Jules. Get some rest. XOXO

[jannaviles]

@mississchic Hi Ms Tasha! Thanks so much for watching! xoxo

[Lejack97]

Gorgeous!! TFS!

Lily :)

[jannaviles]

@Lejack97 Hi Lily!! TFW!! xoxo

[scrapdaworld]

Thanks for the tut, girl! Hope you feel better.

[jannaviles]

@scrapdaworld Thank you girl!! xoxo

[Debcrafty1]

TFS, really clear demo. Deb

[jannaviles]

@Debcrafty1 TFW!! Jules:)

[ayellessnuffelhoek]

Wow, never tried it... but just crackle medium, and paint on top... that's making it crack? weird, but really cool! i do have crackle medium... :)

[jannaviles]

@ayellessnuffelhoek :) no, a base coat of acrylic paint then the medium, then a topcoat:) I use 2 different contrasting colors so the crackle shows well. Thank you so much for watching!! xoxo Jules:)

[scrapaliciousleo]

tyfs this tutorial I wanted to buy this crackle medium No I will.

hugs,

Leonie

[jannaviles]

@scrapaliciousleo Oh great!! go play and have fun!! xoxo Jules:)

[GoinCriCrAzY]

Hey Jules! Have you tried inked on top of this to add more color/depth like you do with Tim's crackle paint? Just wondering..

[jannaviles]

@GoinCriCrAzY Hi there:) No I haven't but your right, I could...I may do it...but this is why I use a contrasting color on the bottom....I think it would be great to try some distress ink to see how it can be enhanced huh? thank you for sharing that! xoxo Jules:)

[love4scrap]

I love this tutorial. I'm going to have to try this. Keep 'em coming. 

[softdrea]

TFS I love this but never new how to do it. great vid. thank you.

[jannaviles]

@softdrea Thanks for watching!! Make sure to paint a base coat first, then the crackle then the top coat:)  xoxo Jules:)

[jannaviles]

@softdrea ....actually if you use cardstock of a different color than your top paint, it will work:)

[harrisjcarolyn]

i'm so happy you shared this, I've been really hesitant to buy crackle medium. do you know if you can paint a color underneath before you use the medium and it'll show through? just wondering. TFS

Carolyn

[jannaviles]

@harrisjcarolyn Thanks for watching! I did actually show a painted piece here in the vid...I guess I should have painted it while filming..I used a base coat, then the crackle medium, then the white topcoat...let them all dry between though:) Jules:)

[GloriaJean8]

Hi Jules, I think I might have missed something.

Did you use a paint before you put the medium on?

I love this look. I am going to try it.

Thanks for sharing.

Gloria

Florida

[jannaviles]

@GloriaJean8 *giggle* yeah you missed it..I did use a tan paint, but I said I was gonna paint it and come back...so you don't see me painting the base coat:) I was saving a little time....I'm sorry:) TFW! Jules:)

[scrapperkaren60]

Hi Jules, What a great idea..I will be going to Joanns today to get some crackle medium, I want to try it on a holloween house and also on a casket box, I brought at michaels. Thanks for trying and showing for us.

Karen

[jannaviles]

@scrapperkaren60 oooohhh fun projects!! your welcome and thanks for watching girl! xoxo Jules:)

[paperdrama]

great tips Jules. i have the big bottle of this crackle medium and I only played with it once when i bought it LOL, this vid makes me wanna play with it again =)

[jannaviles]

@paperdrama  Hi Jo!!! oh, cool, go play!! xoxo TFW! Jules

[cynthialoowho]

Wow I love it, that will be perfect for my treasure chest that I'll be making on my next ustream!!! I'll make sure to mention you!! TFS

Cynthialoowho♥

[jannaviles]

@cynthialoowho awwwww.....your so sweet!!! when is your ustream girl, I wanna see!!!? let me now ok! I can't wait to see it...your treasure chest! xoxo Jules

[sharoncaillier]

Jules, can you go over the crackle with a color so that it can get into the cracks and wipe the paint off that is not in the crackle? I hope you understand what I'm asking.

Hugs,

[jannaviles]

@sharoncaillier You mean after doing these 3 layers, then applying a color and wipe? I've not tried it, but to have color on the cracks...that's why you do a base coat, to show through the cracks...it's easier that way, but girl you can try on a scrap cardboard or chipboard!:) try different stuff on scraps...to see what happens. You may find a technique you love!!! and then you can share it! haha:)  xoxo TFW...let me know if I answered your question ok? :)

[LifeIsScrapTastic]

I use alot of the craft acrylic paints...there cheaper and to me paint is paint.

Yeah they are alot thinner than the heavy grade acrylics but meh...use double up on coats LOL!! Love the crackle mediums! Great vid. Hun.

[jannaviles]

@LifeIsScrapTastic Thank you so much for watching!! xoxo

[debbiehayslrtte]

I love crackle medium. Tfs Take care. Debbie

[jannaviles]

@debbiehayslrtte Me too! TFW! Jules ;)

[sillyfroghoneybee]

This is so cool :) but I can't get the crackle medium here :( the crack effect is lots of nicer then crackle paint. TFS

[jannaviles]

@sillyfroghoneybee I love this effect! try online....google..."folkart crackle medium sale" I'm sure you can find something....let me know! Jules:) xoxo

[kayluvs2scrap]

Great tips Jules! I love the crackle paint from TH but this seems to crack more and faster! I have to get me some. I'm about to start a project for my son so I want to make it very grungy this would be great! tfs

~hugs, Kay

[jannaviles]

@kayluvs2scrap oh cool! I can't wait to see what you make!! xoxo Jules:)

[ScrapaholicHere]

that is so awesome, I have to go get the paints to try this technique, that is so cool. Thank you for sharing. I am going out this weekend to buy the materials....so cool, thanks.

[jannaviles]

@ScrapaholicHere Oh yay!! go girl!!! TFW! xoxoJules

[shanjamorjor]

now I can use my crackle medium thanks girl for sharing this

hugs

shar

[jannaviles]

@shanjamorjor Hi Shar!! Your so welcome! xoxo:)

[931thumbs]

thank you....this is why we watch you tube....we want to learn Carol

[jannaviles]

@931thumbs Hi Carol! Thanks so much for watching! xoxo

[shoeprincess1]

Wow, cool! That's a great effect, can't wait to see what this is for ;-) Thanks girlie~Hugs, Brigitte

[jannaviles]

@shoeprincess1 :)...soon! TFW!! xoxo always! Jules

[mommunson]

oh Jules thank you so much for doing this I hve wanted to try this didnt know how.oh how cool and easy is this.

[jannaviles]

@mommunson Hello there sweet lady! I'm glad it helped! Don't you have a blog? I wanna see your projects...inspire me woman!! haha.. Jules:)

[fareeda97]

so happy you took the time to show me how to apply this correctly. I used this product at least six years ago, but never applied it correctly. Thanks so much. I must give this another try.

Fareeda

[jannaviles]

@fareeda97 :) haha...Go for it Ms Fareeda!! You can do it! xoxo Jules:)

[triciaa2474]

I bought some crackle medium... but I was scared to use it. Sooo I have't yet. Thanks so much for this video, I will practice it now, you made it look so easy!

HUGS

Tricia :0)

[jannaviles]

@triciaa2474 Tricia!!!!!Hey sweetie!! yeah use it, it's fun to me, I love it! TFW! xoxo Jules:)

[brooknrich]

Great tut Jules, thank you for sharing this. I have a question, can you use your heat gun to try the layers or do you need to let it air dry? I also love the colors you used for this project. I love the pretty tan color and that you changed to white for the top layer. Can you use the same color or do you need to change colors??? P.S. HAPPY B-DAY FRIEND!!! If I am going to alter an old chest, can I use this crackle finish for it? It's an old wood chest. I've never tried the crackle before.

[joic81]

you think i could get that crackle paint online anywhere?

[jannaviles]

@joic81 I'm sure somewhere.....I'm sending you a link in a personal message ok....I hope your in the states:) xoxo Jules

[sweetnsassyscraps]

Thank you for this video. I have seen this on projects in stores but did not know what or how it was done. And like you im always afraid to try something new. But this i will do for sure, it came out beautiful. I just love the look. Thank You again

[jannaviles]

@sweetnsassyscraps Thank you so much for watching and I'm glad it helped! xoxo Jules:)

[sillyshysushi]

I remember when I tried to crackling for the first time and I was sa scared! I bought the crackle med. on clearence at Wal-mart for .97 and I thought it was because it was defective! LOL! It took me a while to try it cause I was so scared but when I did I went crazy! Hee! It's so much fun to do! I wub crackling!

[3dogsand2kids]

Thanks for the tutorial, I made some ages ago and had forgotten how I did it lol, I'll give this another go tonight :-) tfs

[justafewscraps]

I love this effect! TYFS! º♥º°*:•~:D

[amykittle]

I just want to thank you for this video. It helped me realize what I was doing wrong with using the medium. I kept trying to hurry it along and use my top coat either too soon or I would try and use my heat gun to make it hurry and dry. Your vid was helpful. Thanks for doing it. hugs to you, amy k

[jannaviles]

@amykittle Awesome! I'm so glad it helped...Lisa did this on her altered box and she's so impatient:)...lol...she wanted to do the topcoat before the crackle medium dried and it didn't crackle right because of that!...she's soooo impatient...but you live ya learn right? Thanks so much for watching!! xoxo Jules:)

[neddie58]

thanks for sharing