Frenchic Easy Crackle is a water-based decorative glaze designed to create cracked, aged and rustic paint effects on furniture and other suitable interior surfaces.
It works by creating cracks in the top layer of paint, revealing the contrasting colour underneath.
Ideal for furniture makeovers and decorative projects, Easy Crackle can be used on wooden furniture, bare wood, laminate, plastic, terracotta and suitably prepared painted surfaces.
The product works particularly well with contrasting Frenchic paint colours and decorative metallic finishes.
For additional decorative effects, combine with suitable Frenchic Frensheen metallic products.
The colour beneath the glaze determines the colour visible through the cracks, while the final paint layer provides the main colour of the finished project.
Frenchic confirms EN71-3 certification for use on children's toys when applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Frenchic Easy Crackle is suitable for interior use only.
Key Features
- Water-based decorative crackle-effect glaze
- Creates aged, cracked and rustic paint effects
- Reveals a contrasting base colour through the top paint layer
- Suitable for wooden furniture, bare wood, laminate, plastic and terracotta
- Ideal for furniture restoration and decorative painting projects
- Works with contrasting paint colours and decorative metallic finishes
- Easy to apply using a good-quality brush
- Suitable for interior use only
- EN71-3 certified according to Frenchic
- 250ml tin
Frenchic Easy Crackle Application Video
How to Create a Crackle Paint Effect
Frenchic Easy Crackle is applied between two layers of compatible paint to create a decorative cracked finish.
For best results, choose contrasting paint colours so the cracks are clearly visible.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface and Apply the Base Colour
Ensure the surface is clean, dry, sound and free from wax, grease, loose paint and other contaminants before painting.
Remove loose or flaking paint from previously painted surfaces.
Prepare the surface according to the instructions for your chosen Frenchic paint.
Apply your selected base colour evenly over the surface.
Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying Frenchic Easy Crackle.
The base colour will be visible through the cracks in the finished design.
Step 2: Apply Frenchic Easy Crackle
Stir Frenchic Easy Crackle thoroughly before use.
Using a clean, good-quality flat brush, apply a thin, even layer to the areas where you want the crackle effect.
Work carefully to distribute the glaze across the surface.
Allow the glaze to dry for at least 2 hours before applying the top paint colour, subject to the manufacturer's current application instructions.
For first-time users, practise the technique on a small piece of scrap wood or another suitable test surface before beginning the main project.
Step 3: Apply the Contrasting Top Colour
Once the Easy Crackle layer has dried sufficiently, apply your chosen contrasting Frenchic paint colour.
Use a clean brush and apply the top colour carefully over the glaze.
Avoid excessive pressure or repeatedly brushing over the same area as the paint begins to dry.
The crackle effect will develop as the top layer of paint dries, revealing the base colour underneath.
The thickness of the top paint layer can influence the appearance and size of the cracks.
A thicker top layer generally produces larger cracks, while a thinner application can create a finer effect.
Allow the painted surface to dry sufficiently before applying a suitable protective finish.
Step 4: Seal the Finished Project
Once the paint has dried sufficiently, protect the completed decorative finish using a suitable Frenchic finishing product.
For furniture subject to frequent handling or occasional splashes, consider Frenchic Finishing Coat, following the manufacturer's suitability and application instructions.
Alternatively, a compatible Frenchic Furniture Wax may be used for suitable decorative furniture projects.
Select the finishing product according to the intended use of the surface and the desired appearance.
Allow the protective finish to dry and cure according to its individual product instructions.
General Information
- Product type: decorative crackle-effect glaze
- Water-based formulation
- Suitable for interior use only
- Designed to create aged, cracked and rustic decorative finishes
- Suitable for wooden furniture, bare wood, laminate, plastic and terracotta
- Can be applied over compatible painted surfaces
- Works with contrasting paint colours and decorative metallic finishes
- Cracks the top paint layer to reveal the underlying colour
- EN71-3 certified according to Frenchic
- 250ml tin
Coverage
A 250ml tin provides coverage of up to 3.5m² per coat, depending on the surface and application method.
Actual coverage will vary according to surface porosity, preparation, application thickness and the desired decorative effect.
Surface Preparation
Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, sound and free from wax, grease, loose paint and other contaminants before application.
Remove loose or flaking paint from previously painted surfaces.
Clean surfaces thoroughly using a suitable preparation cleaner, such as Frenchic Sugar Soap, rinse and allow to dry completely.
Sand surfaces where appropriate, following the preparation instructions for your chosen base paint.
Remove sanding dust before applying paint or glaze.
Apply the selected base paint and allow it to dry completely before using Easy Crackle.
Application and Drying
Stir the glaze thoroughly before each use.
Apply using a good-quality brush.
Allow a minimum of 2 hours drying time before overpainting, or longer if required by the manufacturer's instructions and application conditions.
Avoid applying in cold or damp conditions.
Apply the top paint layer carefully and avoid overworking it as the crackle effect develops.
Practising the technique on a small test surface is recommended to achieve the desired crack size and appearance.
Refer to the Frenchic Easy Crackle demonstration video above for additional application guidance.
Cleaning and Storage
Reseal the container securely after use.
Clean up spills promptly using water.
Wash brushes and application equipment in warm, soapy water as soon as possible after use.
Store the product in its original container, protected from damp, frost, freezing conditions and excessive heat.
Need Help Choosing Frenchic Products?
Contact My Building Supplies for advice on Frenchic Easy Crackle, suitable furniture paints, preparation products and decorative finishing accessories.
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