How to master the decorative crack effect in five steps

Calling all creative crafters – we’ve got something exciting for you! Learn how to perfect that unique, decorative crack effect on your next arts and crafts project with Kraftex® Creative Cracks from Pratley.

The water-based products make it safe and easy to use without needing any chemicals to clean up afterward. You can create the crack effect on doors, walls, counters, chairs, picture frames, tea trays – you name it. Experiment with different colours and just have fun. This is how you do it:

1. Paint the surface of the object with a base colour (the colour you want to show through the cracks) and let it dry completely.
2. Use a sponge brush to apply a coat of the Creative Cracks product to the painted surface. The thickness of the layer determines the crack size, meaning that a thicker layer results in wider cracks.
3. Leave for about ten minutes or until the layer feels tacky. Don’t let it dry out completely.
4. Sponge over a second contrasting colour of your choice, with a water-based PVA paint. The trick is to apply brush strokes in different directions, as the cracks tend to follow these lines. For thinner cracks, dilute the paint with water.
5. Cracks will start to appear within minutes. Allow the second coat to dry thoroughly, whereafter you can seal the surface with a sealant or varnish. Voila!