It may take some practice to get this amount just right, but you'll soon get it as you learn how to varnish an acrylic painting. You can even save any unused varnish. I would just put a solid covering (like a lid, or something heavy like a book, or plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band) over the top of the jar, and then use it again in. Varnishing Tips for Oil Paintings – Retouch vs Permanent Varnish. Cracking is caused when the under layers are wet and covered with quicker drying top layers. This will happen if you layer a faster drying paint over a slower drying paint. Have you tried the somewhat recent invention of gamvar picture varnish which claims to be a great. If the cracking occurred in the clear coat and you did not need to sand down to the primer, you do not need to prime again. Apply the primer with a paintbrush if necessary, or spray it on if it is a spray primer. Allow the primer to dry and cure per the manufacturer's directions. Paint the area using touch-up paint.
How To Apply Varnish
Make crackle paint picture frames to add a unique touch to your home decor. You can use a crackle finish with a plastic, metal or ceramic picture frame, but only if the frame won't be handled much as the paint will easily chip and flake. To prevent flaking or chipping you can apply a thin coat of polyurethane after the top coat of paint dries.
Step 1-Prepare Your Picture Frame
Whether you're using wood, plastic or metal frames, you still have to prepare the frame for the paint. With all frames, lightly sand the entire surface with a fine grit sandpaper to give the paint a surface to adhere to. Clean the frame with a damp cloth to remove the dust and residue from the sanding. Allow frame to dry.
Step 2-Apply the Base Coat of Paint
Put down your newspapers or paint cloth to protect the surface or table where you are doing your painting. Your base coat of paint should be darker than your top coat. Apply at least two thin coats of paint and allow to dry. If you are painting bare wood, you can use either oil or water based paint. If you are painting plastic or metal be sure the paint you choose is formulated specifically for plastic or metal so it will adhere better. Allow your base paint to dry thoroughly.
Step 3-Apply the Crackle Medium
Apply your crackle medium. You can buy crackle medium in any craft, hardware, home supply or paint store. If you don't want to buy crackle medium you can add about 10-percent water to ordinary white craft glue and use it as a medium. Allow the medium or glue to dry. Use a thin coat of medium for crackle with fine lines, or heavier coats of medium for heavier lines in your crackle. Don't overspread the crackle medium.
Step 4-Apply the Top Coat of Paint
Once your crackle medium has dried you can paint your top coat of paint. Remember, your paint will crackle in the direction the paint is brushed on in. Once you paint the top layer, let the paint dry. As the top coat of paint dries it will begin to crackle.
Step 5-Apply Stain or Protection
If you want more of an antique or aged look to your frame, dilute a stain (use water based stain only if you use water based paint) and apply it to the dried top coat of pain. If you want to protect your finish, apply a thin coat of polyurethane over the top coat of paint, or over the dried stain. You don't need to apply stain or polyurethane, but if the frame will be handled frequently, it's a good idea to apply polyurethane.
Cracking in an automotive paint job may occur in the clear coat over the paint or in the base color of the paint. Cracks form for many reasons. There may be a structural issue in the sheet metal below the paint that results in cracking. Imperfections during the painting process can also cause cracking in the paint after a period of time, such as when the paint is incorrectly mixed or applied in a very thick layer. To fix cracking on a car, you will need supplies that can be purchased from auto supply shops. If the cracking is widespread or severe, you should contact a professional.
Step 1
Clean the cracked surface using a degrease cleaner and a sponge or cloth. Degrease cleaner will remove build-up from the paint.
Step 2
Sand the surface using a rough grit of sandpaper, such as a 60 grit. Use the water to flush the sandpaper and surface to keep the sanded paint even. Sand enough of the surface to even the cracked area without reaching the sheet metal below the paint job.
Step 3
Wipe the sanded area with the degrease cleaner to remove residue.
Best Way To Apply Varnish
Step 4
Prime the area with an automotive primer, if the primer has been sanded away. If the cracking occurred in the clear coat and you did not need to sand down to the primer, you do not need to prime again. Apply the primer with a paintbrush if necessary, or spray it on if it is a spray primer.
Step 5
Allow the primer to dry and cure per the manufacturer's directions.
Step 6
Paint the area using touch-up paint. Touch up paint can be purchased from automotive supply stores. Allow the paint to dry per the manufacturer's directions. Apply the paint with a paintbrush if necessary, or spray it on if it is a spray paint.
Wax the newly painted area using a car wax and sponge or cloth. Waxing the area will restore shine and protect the surface from future damage.
Tip
- If the cracking paint has spread to a large area, or if the cracks are deep enough to show the sheet metal, contact a professional. Cracks in the paint may be due to imperfections in the sheet metal below, which would necessitate professional repairs.
Warning
- Work in a well ventilated, warm, dry area to reduce inhalation of fumes and particles during the sanding and painting process.
Items you will need
- Degrease cleaner
- Sponges or cloths
- Sandpaper
- Water
- Primer, if necessary
- Paintbrush, if necessary
- Touch up paint in the same color as the paint job
- Car Wax
Maimeri Picture Cracking Varnish
- Cracked Weathered Paint image by ryasick from Fotolia.com