Fineline Crackle by Gill Humphrey

  

 

A long time ago I altered a well known candle jar with a faux porcelain technique and many people asked how to recreate it - well the products are now available in stock at That's Crafty! and I have managed to find the time to make a few samples using it. I hope you like the idea as its a really easy way of upcylcing old glass containers (candle jars, reed sent bottles and a cheap supermarket glass yoghurt pots as well as items rescued from charity shops).

Step 1: wash and thoroughly clean your glass.

Step 2: give the outside a spritz with rubbing alcohol to ensure that the surface to be decorated is completely grease free.

Step 3: using a foam applicator apply a thin coat of Bonding Primer let it dry and then repeat.

Step 4: apply a thin coat of acrylic paint - the choice of colour depends on the colour of the image you are going to decoupage on in the next step - I chose to work with Ivory, Off White or White which will work for most images that are on a white background. (Do NOT use gesso for this layer). Once the first layer of acrylic has dried add a second thin layer. It is better to build layers slowly allowing them to dry inbetween and to apply the paint with a sponge dauber so that you do not repeatedly go over the same area).

Step 5: apply your chosen imagery - in the examples photographed I used a floral for the central pot and for the other two flower textures rice papers. I simply tore round the image that I wanted keeping fairly close to the image - you may find it easier to use some water on a brush to draw round the image and then pull the image out that way. Adhere the images in place using Decoupage Glue Matte or Ceramic. Try to keep this wrinkle free - you may need to tear into the image so that it fits nicely around the shape of the glass you are using. Once in place cover with a layer of the decoupage glue and leave to dry throughly. The Pentart decoupage glues also act as a varnish so seal your project at this stage. This protects the rice paper during the next steps.

Step 6: Apply step 1 of the Fineline Crackle System using a DRY brush it is important you use the correct primer for the system NOT the Universal Primer. Allow to dry - I prefer to let it dry naturally but if you do heat dry it beware it bubbles fairly easily. 

Step 7: Apply a layer of step 2 of the Fineline Crackle Varnish - a thin layer is all that is needed and you will find that using your fingers to gently rub over the surface once the layer has applied will give you a better coating. Now let it dry completely - again my preference is to let it dry on its own but you can use a heat gun if required.

Step 8: If you angle your project you should be able to see cracks in the glaze. At this stage you need a medium that will sit into the cracks - I use Pentart Antique Pastes which are very different to waxes  - my colour preferences are Umbra, Gold and Copper. Gently rub some of the paste into the cracks. Take a DRY cloth and polish the surface. Do not use anything wet at this stage as the crackle will melt away!

Step 8: Seal your project with SOLVENT based glossy varnish.

 

Although there are a lot of steps and layers this technique with the correct products is actually really easy to achieve. The eagle eyed will have noticed I have added mouldings to some of my projects - these can be made from air dry clay and then adhered in place over the bonding fluid layer before painting.

 

I do hope you have fun learning this technique and I look forward to seeing your makes.