Decola crackle varnish for decoration, 50 ml

Water-based Decola crackle varnish creates a decorative crack pattern for an aged appearance. Use it with acrylic paint on wood, cardboard, leather, canvas or glass. You receive one 50 ml jar. This is a varnish for the crackle effect, rather than an ordinary protective finishing varnish.

Crackle between two paint layers

Paint the surface with acrylic paint and allow the layer to dry. Apply the crackle varnish as a separate intermediate layer and let it dry. Then apply a second acrylic colour; as it dries, the upper paint cracks and reveals the first colour. Choose contrasting colours for a clear pattern. Use ordinary acrylic colours for the top layer, avoiding pearl, fluorescent, interference and metallic paints.

A different method with shellac

For craquelure over an already painted or decoupaged surface, you can use a two-step technique: a separate shellac layer first, followed by this crackle varnish. This has a different build-up from the method between two paint layers. Follow the coating and drying instructions on the containers you use. Shellac, paints, decoupage materials and tools are not included.

Plan your effect on a sample

Layer thickness affects the shape and size of the pattern, particularly the second paint layer in the painted method. Try the same surface and colours on a sample first to choose the contrast and appearance. Do not mix the varnish into paint as a crackle recipe; build up separate layers.

Safe use

Follow the directions on the jar and close it after use. Use the varnish for decorative finishes and assess your sample once the layers have dried.

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