Adicolor Crackle Sample Size

Deelite · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 766 Location: Baltimore

Anyone know if you can get small size samples of the porcelain crackle? (I believe its two step) I have a ton of the FE crackle but can't get the look I want. Don't want to spend $$ on something I won't like...
Thanks!

surfaces · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 778 Location: Lenexa, Kansas

I make my own porcelain crackle. Since you have some FE products, this might work. I apply the FE Porcelain size and let it tack and then apply 1 coat of Wunda size. Thin FE Fine Line crackle (it is white) about 10% and roll over the surface. I always get these nice small tight even cracks.

The porcelain crackle alone doesn't work so well in my experience.

Rebecca

gawieber · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:11 pm Post subject:

Rebecca,
I'm confused. Are you doing the crackle in 2 or 3 steps?

Arthur · Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 697 Location: Naples Fl.

Rebecca,
I have used the Fine line thinned out and run it through an HVLP without any sizing and have gotten a very fine porcelien crack that looks like a baked finish after a couple of coats of C500
Oops Sorry Jodi , I know
you hate that word, [/img]

Deelite · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 766 Location: Baltimore

I have FE crackle zize (the thick gooey stuff) and crackle mate. When putting the crackle size on its so thick that when I put the mate on I get cracks that are larger and wider than what I want. In areas that the size wasn't so thick, I get great porcelain crackles. Maybe there is a way to thin out the size?

Jodi · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 6362 Location: Chicago

Absolutely Arthur, I have gotten the best crackle with C-500! 1 step!! lol

surfaces · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 778 Location: Lenexa, Kansas

The crackle size may be thinned with water up to 20% to make it flow better. Cracklemate usually produces a heavier crackle because it is mixed with some other product.
I like the Fine Line as well and think it gives the nicest cracks both brushing and spraying. I always seal my crackles with Aquaguard or Colorseal so the crackle doesn't lift.
I put the FE Porcelain first and let it tack and then brush the Wunda Size over the top. Wait about 15 minutes and then apply the fine line crackle.
We came up with this to imitate varnish crackles.

All this aside, I have seen one of the Adicolor crackles, and although it was not a small crackle-it was very pretty for cabinets. Someone that reps that line-Kathy, maybe-can share info about their crackles.

Rebecca

Deelite · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 766 Location: Baltimore

In doing some research, I have found that in Pierre's book (pgs224-225) he says to use 3 hour gold size then coat with clear shellac. I have sanding sealer, and was wondering what the difference was between sanding sealer and shellac.

Arthur · Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 697 Location: Naples Fl.

Deelite,
Shellac in todays world is usually an acohol based and a sanding sealer could be anything from water to a lacquer to an oil or an arcylic. A sanding sealer will penetrate to seal raw wood but I dont think it will give you as solid of a surface as shellac for more of a uniform surface.
I love Pierre's book and recommend it to a lot of people wanting to get into the business as a matter of fact I had to buy another copy because of the where and tear the last one has endured lol

Deelite · Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 766 Location: Baltimore

so do you think I could use the sanding sealer in place of the shellac b/c its a quick dry material? I guess I could just go and try it!