Create antique effects using crackle glaze

 

  

My first restoration project was a beautiful chair, which I saw sat outside a brocante shop in Tewkesbury. I had no plans to take on such a project until I saw it.

Unfortunately I didn't take any photo's of it before I decorated it. It was covered in layers and layers of thick paint - It was quite a site.

I decided to use crackle glaze to create an antique effect. And used a bronze base coat - and an antique white top coat.

Crackle glaze is a clear liquid, which applied in between the base coat and the top coat. It is best to use emulsion or water-based paint.

I use Polyvine, which you can buy at any good DIY store. I would avoid using the sprays and go for the liquid as the results are much better.

The effects of crackle glaze are truly stunning. And looks great when used on old items of furniture, which have become scratched or damaged.

It also looks fabulous on newer items of furniture, that you want to make look old. Try to stick to furniture with rounded edges rather than square edges - as this looks more convincing.

You don't have to be an amazing artist or crafts person to achieve great things with crackle glaze - It's really easy:

• Step 1 - Apply your base colour and leave to dry.

• Step 2 - Mix crackle glaze well and apply in one direction. This coat must be smooth and even - and left to dry fully.

• Step 3 - Apply your top colour in single brush strokes and at right angles. The thicker the paint applied - the more dramatic the cracks will appear. 

• Step 4 - After 24 hours, apply a clear varnish

See - it really is that easy...

There are loads of 'how to use crackle glaze' video's on You Tube which you can check out - right here!