How to Get Contrast with Crackle Over Metallic Paint – Book of Backgrounds 2016, Number 32

When applying crackle over metallic paint a couple of things can go wrong.

• crackle paint might cover up the metallic
• crackle might reduce the shimmer of the metallics
• or the crackle might peel off the metallic paint

To get around this issue, I’m going to use white gesso first to give the page some tooth.  Then apply metallic paint, then a layer of white translucent acrylics and then one step crackle.  I ended up with a high contrast background which can be easily built on by antiquing more metallic paint on the page and wiping back.

How to Get Contrast with Crackle Over Metallic Paint

Supplies

Background Type:

• 140lb Mixed Media or Watercolour Paper (anything that will accept acrylic paint, that is sturdy)

Palette:

• DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics

  • Translucent White – DMFA40

• DecoArt Dazzling Metallics

  • Worn Penny – DA286

Prep and Mediums

• DecoArt One Step Crackle – DS69

Brushes:

• Royal Aqualon

  • 1″ & 3/4″ Wash Glaze – R2700
  • #8 Shader – R2150

• Royal Soft-Grip

  • #8 Bristle Bright – SG1425

General Supplies:

• Royal Brush Square Brush Basin – RD325
• Royal Essentials Palette Paper – RD358
• Royal Painting Knife – LP9
• Unstick Reusable Arts and Crafts Sheet
• Mister Bottle Filled with Water
• Paper Towels
• Baby, Kitchen Wipes or Kitchen cloths (for dry rub application)
• Heat Gun

Manufacturers

• DecoArt – DecoArt.com
• Royal Brush – RoyalBrush.com
• Unstick – Unstick.ca