How to make a cracked effect on the walls with your own hands using the craquelure technique: stages of work, care and options

Using the craquelure technique is a great way to add character and an aged look to your walls. Any room can feel more interesting and lived-in by adding a sense of history and texture through the application of a cracked effect to the surface. For those who want to create antique finishes in a modern space but are drawn to their charm, this method is ideal.

This is a look that is easily achievable on your own with a little time and the right supplies. Several coats of paint are applied, along with a unique medium that causes the top layer to split and reveal the color underneath. You can tailor this easy method to your own preferences for dramatic or more pronounced cracks, or for delicate, subtle ones.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process in this guide, from wall preparation to applying the craquelure medium to maintaining your finished walls. We’ll also look at various color schemes and finishing touches that can improve the effect, providing you lots of choices to design a genuinely one-of-a-kind look for your house.

Craquelure effect on the surface of the walls

Navigating pages

The vintage look of the craquelure technique is a pattern of cracks on the paint coating. You can also apply this technique to other surfaces, like a door and certain pieces of furniture. Is it feasible to create craquelure on your own, and what small details in the application process need to be considered?

What does craquelure look like on the walls

A wall with craquelure is a coating that has cracks in it, allowing the main tone to show through. The surface appears aged and vintage as a result.

Is it possible to make craquelure on the wall with your own hands

You can complete the work yourself, and the application methods are straightforward. You’ll need the following for this:

1. Textured plaster.
2. Primer.
3. Crackle varnish.
4. Acrylic paint or special grout.
5. Spatula.
6. Brush or sponge.
7. Protective varnish.

To make the pattern stand out and appear brighter, use contrasting paint and grout colors. Cracks can take on a variety of forms. For example, a deep, parallel pattern will result from brushing on varnish; however, a fine mesh pattern will result from using a sponge.

Crackle varnish may be:

1. One-component – easy and simple to apply, dries quickly.
2. Two-component – the application technique is more complex, the drying time is also. A building hair dryer is often used to speed up the process.

Surface preparation: requirements

A wall that has been prepped is coated with a finishing layer called crackle. For this, you’ll need:

• clean the surface from the previous coating. Wallpaper and paint are removed to the base;
• fill in the defects with putty. When it dries, sand the flaws with sandpaper;
• prime the wall;
• putty, approximately two millimeters thick;
• when the composition dries, clean the surface again from dust and dirt;
• install all communications, wiring, etc.

Application technology

Using a roller, apply one coat of paint to the wall. The layer ought to be homogeneous, thin, and drip-free. dries in five hours. Apply a one-component craquelure varnish or a specialized craquelure primer after that. Apply the varnish horizontally or vertically, depending on where the cracks are located. Apply with strokes in various directions to create a chaotic pattern. The pattern gets deeper with more varnish applied.

Using a wide spatula, texture or Venetian plaster is applied to the dried wall. You can use roller-applied acrylic paint.

Since cracks start to show up five to ten minutes after application, it is imperative to cover the surface as soon as possible. Work in vertical stripes when covering a large area.

The cracks are fully developed and dry up during the day. A protective varnish is then applied to the surface. To give the wall a polished appearance, decorative varnish is applied using a sponge or natural wax.

If textured plaster was used for the work, the surface needs to be cleaned with sandpaper and the dust needs to be brushed away with a brush once the cracks have dried. Sanding must be done carefully. The protective varnish application is the final touch.

It’s also necessary to sand, clean, and then wax Venetian plaster.

Application of two-component varnish

This varnish requires the most work to work with, but the outcome is well worth the effort. After painting the surface a specific color, the dry wall should be covered with a thin layer of craquelure varnish. The next layer is applied once the previous one has dried. After it dries, a finishing coat of paint or plaster is applied to the wall.

If you use a hair dryer, the cracks will be deeper even though the surface dries in 24 hours. Once the upper layer has dried, grouting can be completed. Alternatively, dark oil paint, gold powder, or colored dry pastel can be used beforehand. Using a sponge, apply the product to the cracks; use a cloth dipped in vegetable oil to wipe off any excess. After using a dry cloth to wipe the completed surface, apply a protective varnish.

How to care for

Special care is needed to ensure the coating lasts a long time: avoid overly wetting it, wash it only with abrasive products, and clean it with specialized chemicals. Using a gentle cloth, wet cleaning should be done once a week.

Krakelyur is a delicate coating that can be damaged by impact or furniture rearranging; only an expert can subtly repair it.

Craquelure is visually striking and adds a unique ambience to the space. The coating will function well and last a long time with proper application and maintenance.

Using the craquelure technique, you can add a bit of vintage charm to your space by giving your walls a cracked look. You can create something genuinely distinctive and eye-catching out of plain walls with just a few supplies and a little perseverance. Applying layers of paint and crackle medium allows you to create a weathered, aged look that’s fashionable and classic.

Even if you’re not experienced with DIY projects, you can learn this technique by closely following the stages of work. The secret is to apply the crackle medium evenly and to take your time, allowing each coat to completely dry before applying the next. You have artistic control over the outcome with this method; you can choose how noticeable or subtle the cracks should be.

After your craquelure wall is finished, it’s critical to give it the right maintenance and protection. Dusting and mild cleaning on a regular basis will help preserve the finish and keep it looking new. This technique can be tailored to suit different tastes and styles by experimenting with different color combinations and crackle sizes to produce a range of effects.

Not only does the craquelure technique add character to your home, but it also gives you the satisfaction of a job well done. It’s a great way to add flair to your living area and display your artistic side with wall décor.

Adding a cracked look to your walls with the craquelure technique is an easy yet eye-catching way to give any space personality and an air of vintage charm. Using layers of paint and a specialized craquelure medium, you can create an aged, artistic look on your walls by drying the mixture and creating a web of tiny cracks. The procedure is simple and only requires a few steps, from surface preparation to the application of the last protective layer. You can achieve a gorgeous, textured finish that not only changes your area but also gives your home décor a distinctive touch with a little care and attention to detail.

Video on the topic

Crackleure with your own hands is cheap and easy

Decorative plaster. Crackleure: the effect of cracks on the wall.Kitchen. DIY repair. Part 1.

Master class. Cracks from ordinary Venetian plaster. Cooler than craquelure.