DERIVAN Acrylic Cracking Medium 250ml

Cracked or "crackled" paint finishes are achieved by producing cracks in one layer of paint, which exposes a second layer underneath. The first coat of paint laid down will be the colour that shows through as the cracks. This first coat should be a water-based paint. Leave this coat to dry before going to step 2.

Step 2 - Once step 1 is dry, apply Derivan Cracking Medium (water-based). You can use a brush, sponge applicator or roller (either a sponge or short nap roller). Apply the Cracking Medium so that it is as thick as possible but not so thick that it runs when the surface is held vertically.

The Cracking Medium is designed to be a high-build coat; therefore, it is very viscous (thick). Do not be overly concerned with obtaining an even flat surface as the Cracking Medium has a built-in flow agent which will allow it to level out as it dries. It is possible to thin the Cracking Medium down with water so that it may be sprayed through a spray gun for larger areas. The amount of water used should not exceed 25%. Also keep in mind that the medium must be at least 1-2mm thick to work. Always do a test with the equipment to be used and the dilution rates before embarking on a large project. This is the coat that cracks to reveal the coat applied in Step 1.

Step 3 must be applied within 12 hours of step 2 drying. Note: The paint used MUST be Matisse Background Colour as the Cracking Medium has been especially formulated to work with this paint.