How to Use the Pentart Fineline Crackle

Pentart Fineline Crackle: A Guide to Fool Proof Fineline Crackle

You can download the playbook page here for Fineline Crackle Here:

You can purchase Fineline Crackle Here

What It Is

• A transparent, two-part crackle that creates fine, porcelain-style cracks and lets everything underneath—paint, paper, transfers—show through because it sits on top of your project.

How to Use It

• Make sure your project is sealed and fully dry.
• Only use clean, dry brushes, even the slightest bit of moisture or a dirty brush can interfere with the effect.
• Brush on a smooth coat of Component 1 on to your sealed, completely dry project. It’ll go on milky white, then turn clear when it is dry.
• Don’t over work this layer by over brushing, it’s okay to be a little uneven.
• Allow this layer to completely dry. Component  1 of the Fineline Crackle Varnish needs at least 2–3 hours to dry fully. If component 1 is still cloudy or tacky it won't crack properly so allow more dry time.
• Gently stir Component 2 (don’t shake),
• Using a new or clean dry brush, brush on Component 2 over dried Component 1.
• Adding a thin layer makes delicate crackle and adding a thicker makes bigger crackle. Be sure that you don’t over work this layer either, apply and let it be.
• Let it dry at normal room conditions over night to reveal cracks. (don’t be alarmed, they are hard to see at first!)
• If you want to speed it up or create more cracks you can use a hair dryer or heat gun, but not too close and keep moving continuously so you don’t burn it.
• To highlight the cracks you can use antique paste, liquid patina, or pigment. Apply your desired product to the cracks and wipe away extra with a clean dry cloth only. (don’t use a baby wipe or wet cloth, ONLY a dry cloth) Be careful, any water can compromise the crackle layer.
• MOST IMPORTANT STEP- Wait 24 hours seal with a solvent-based varnish ONLY, NO WATER BASED SEALER. Water-based sealers will cause the crackle layer to fail and will gum up your project. Yes, you need to seal your Fineline crackle. I like the Pentart Clear Varnish, it’s a solvent based and comes in both glossy and matte.

When to Use It

When you want a porcelain crackle look that lets your underlying work shine through—great for decoupage, transfers, decor projects or furniture.

Pro Tips

• • Only use clean, dry brushes.
  • Use a heat gun to make more cracks.
  • Once sealed properly, the crackle will stop cracking and it will preserve your look.

For more inspiration, be sure to join my facebook group: Shannon's Makers and Creators.