Articles
How To Create Antique Effects with Varnish
by Jenny Stewart Although at Alas y Cia Granada we make angels and nativities, I often use the varnishing techniques used in decoupage to create antique finishes on our angel figurines.We often use the two varnish techniques to achive the antique effect of cracked varnish, which imitates the real crackling that occurs with age on much varnished work, whether it is a painting or a fired figurine.
The principal of this technique is to employ two varnishes that dry at
different speeds and cause a crackling of the suface of the second varnish.
There are many ways to achieve this effect - here are two we use-
The first uses a two product kit sold by many manufacturers of arts and crafts materials. You usually paint on one or two coats of the first varnish. When it is dry you apply one coat of the second varnish. As it dries, cracks appear on the surface. Each manufacturer will have the instructions on the pack.
The second uses a more traditional technique. First you apply one or two good coats of a latex based varnish. The names of these latex varnishes will vary from country to country - your arts or crafts shop will be able to tell you which one to select. When it has dried, you then apply a well worked in coat of Gum Arabic. Dry this second varnish (you can use a hair dryer to hurry things up). When dry, cracks will appear.
With both methods. You then carefully apply a coat (patina) of tinted wax or diluted oil paint or diluted acrylic paint and wipe it off. The colour stays in the cracks and enhances them. You then seal with a protective coat of compatible varnish. (If you are using abrasive materials as your patina, you may need to protect your crackled surface with a compatible varnish before you apply the patina.)
And Hey presto! you have a genuine antique varnished finish that has
cracked with age.
Saludos
Jenny
Alas y Cia Granada
The Place for Angels on the Web
Sponsor Ads
About Jenny Stewart 
1,144 connections, 31 recommendations, 3,353 honor points.Joined APSense since, May 18th, 2007, From Spain.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
Comments
|
James Max
 Blog Network CommunityHi Jenny, Very instructive and interesting material. It would be nice if you could do a video instruction on your tips some day - that would really go over well. Keep up the Good Work, My Friend. The GoodNews team - See You At The Forum [url]http://goodnewsforall.com/houseofmaxforum[/url] Jun 9th 2007 17:28 |
|
Beth Schmillen
hi Jenny! that is amazing... I'm wondering if I can do that same thing on an oil painting or acrylic painting? any idea if it would also crackle? All you crafters online are getting me inspired to get back into my own arts/crafts... Beth Jun 10th 2007 00:09 |
|
Jenny Stewart
Hi Beth, The crackling technique you are speaking about is one used by artists who wish to age their work. And has been for many, many years The original crackling technique is the technique using latex varnish and gum arabic. and then rub oil paint into the cracks. The latex gives a prtective seal to the painting and then the gum arabic, which dries fater breaks up as it dries. if yu are working with original art work - maybe you should be very careful using the old hairdryer though! lol The majority of the techniques we use at Alas y Cia Granada are traditional ones used by artisans - the hobbyists' tricks and kits do work - but the finish is never quite the same! They are fine for personal use - but when it comes to selling work professionaly a healthy mixture of the old and the new is always the best. Jun 10th 2007 05:42 |
|
|
Beth Schmillen
thanks Jenny! I will be very careful. How did you know I'm one to excellerate the process? Beth Jun 10th 2007 21:30 |
hi Jenny
I have to say I found your article very clear and well explained.
Having delt in antiques I find the result in the photo very good and for those that can not afford the real thing It would make an excelent alternative.
Bj
Bill Brown aka bjantiques
http://www.eresourceheaven.com
Jun 9th 2007 13:33