Krakelyur, or decorative plaster with cracks, is a novel way to give your walls personality and depth. This finish imitates the way that plaster ages naturally over time, when cracks appear and give the material an aged, rustic appearance. It’s a well-liked option for people looking to add some retro charm to their area.
Krakelyur is adaptable and works well in both traditional and contemporary interior design aesthetics. Depending on the method and materials utilized, the cracked effect can range from faint hairline fractures to more noticeable and dramatic crevices. It is therefore a versatile choice for enhancing the appearance of any space.
Although applying Krakelyur takes some skill, even those who are not experienced with decorative plaster can succeed with the correct guidance. The end product is a gorgeous, textured wall that infuses your house with warmth and character while telling a tale of time and history.
| Feature | Description |
| Appearance | Decorative plaster with an antique, cracked surface effect. |
| Application | Used to create a vintage or rustic look on walls. |
| Technique | Applied in layers, with intentional cracking as it dries. |
| Colors | Available in various shades to match different interiors. |
| Maintenance | Requires sealing to protect the cracked finish. |
Krakelyur, or decorative plaster with cracks, is a distinctive finish that gives walls a worn-out, vintage appearance and gives the impression that they have aged gracefully over time. By purposefully causing cracks in the plaster, this technique adds character and charm to a space that is reminiscent of rustic, old-world settings. It’s a great option for people who want to embrace the beauty of imperfection while incorporating depth and texture into their interior design.
- Photo in the interior
- Decoration materials
- Application technique
- Base
- Layer of varnish
- Finishing coating
- Protective varnish and wax
- Video on the topic
- You should definitely watch this 😳 Enough for more than 10 m2 . 1 l / 980 Craquelure 🤩 Interior design, Decoupage
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Photo in the interior
An interior designed in the "classic" or "Provence" styles can easily incorporate décor in the form of plaster cracks. Paint with craquelure is another method for aging vintage furniture.
Although the top layer of trim and cracks can have any color, it is preferable that the contrast be apparent. When colored veins show up on a glossy, smooth surface, Venetian decorative plaster is a good candidate for the craquelure technique.
A unique varnish that is applied in between the top decorative layer and the base finish is what causes cracking.
Decoration materials
What you’ll need for the "crackle" finish is:
- paint for the base, which will be visible in the cracks;
- craquelure varnish at the rate of 100 g/m2 of wall;
- finishing coating: decorative plaster or paint. Suitable acrylic, latex or any other water-based.
- varnish/glaze/decorative wax to fix and protect the finish, as well as to add shade and gloss.
Application technique
Preparing the base is the first step in finishing.
Base
Ordinary gypsum plaster or putty, painted in the desired color, can serve as the foundation for craquelure.
The fractured upper layer of decorative finishing will show the base color. If a crack’s color is darker than the base layer, it will appear natural. The base of Venetian plaster can be painted with gold or bronze enamel.
Wait for the base to completely dry (at least 24 hours) after applying it.
Layer of varnish
Next, apply a thin layer of drip-free craquelure varnish to the base. Three approaches are available:
- with a brush;
- with a roller;
- with a spray gun.
50 g/m2 of material is used in one layer.
Two coats of varnish are applied, and each layer is left to dry for at least an hour in between. The first layer will turn transparent during this period.
Rinse the brushes or spray gun thoroughly after varnishing because dried varnish is difficult to remove from the tool. The roller attachment is discardable. It’s best to store any leftover varnish in its original factory packaging. To prevent dirt from getting on the tool, pour the varnish into a paint tray and dip it into it.
The craquelure varnish takes four hours to fully dry.
If decorative plaster is not applied, cracks won’t show up for at least a week.
Finishing coating
Venetian or embossed decorative plaster are both possible. Another option is to use textured paint. There are general guidelines for craquelure, though the decorating methods and techniques vary depending on the situation:
- The thickness of the finish should not be more than 2 – 3 mm when plastering, and 1 mm for water-dispersion paint, otherwise there will be smudges.
- Since the main finishing elements will be cracks, you should not create another pronounced texture. You can leave small overlaps or shagreen.
- You need to work quickly and join sections "on the wet". It should take no more than 10 minutes to level the plaster and create the texture. If the wall is painted, then the time between passes is no more than 1 minute, otherwise the paint will shrink behind the tool.
Paint takes 24 hours to dry, and decorative plaster takes 48 hours. It is only feasible to apply a protective varnish once the finish has fully dried.
Development of fractures
- The direction of the tool movement determines which way the cracks will go.
- The thinner the layer of plaster, the finer and more uniform the cracking. A torn and rare craquelure is obtained with a layer of 2 mm.
- Also, the shape of the cracks depends on the thickness of the intermediate layer of varnish and the type of plaster (paint). Materials from different manufacturers will give different effects.
- If you apply paint with a spray gun, you will get the most even crack network.
The cracking starts:
After 10 to 15 minutes on plaster, it ends after 6 to 8 hours.
After 5 to 10 minutes, paint dries up in 1 to 2 hours.
Protective varnish and wax
Decorative plaster is covered with a glaze varnish or wax to add gloss, protect the finish from dust and moisture, and improve the overall appearance.
One of the well-known brands, such as Olimp, Dali, San Marco, or Decrazza, is yours to select.
To add shades to the coating or glitter for a shimmering effect, toner is added to the transparent varnish.
Use a foam roller to apply the varnish, rolling it along the wall in various directions so that the composition reaches all of the texture’s nooks and crannies.
Applying decorative wax requires the use of a brush or a soft spatula. Next, a sponge is used to rub it onto the plaster. The surface is polished using a trowel or a soft cloth in circular motions once the wax has dried.
If the plaster base has not been painted, you can use glazing compounds to draw attention to cracks in the main background. This will make finishing much simpler overall. The procedure will resemble this:
You apply craquelure varnish to regular gypsum plaster. For instance, you could simply paint it white or apply acrylic plaster. The wall is first covered with tinted wax or varnish after it cracks and dries. It is applied to dents and crevices, and any excess is wiped away with a sponge.
As a result, the finish highlights the entire texture, covering up any white surface fissures. However, it’s important to keep in mind that painting the base with enamels and paints will result in a brighter, more contrasting craquelure.
This is the article’s conclusion:
Krakelyur plaster is a great way to give your walls personality and depth. Its distinctive cracked effect adds a touch of vintage charm and elegance to any space, making it stand out. Krakelyur plaster is a flexible option that can be used to add an artistic element to your space or to create a vintage atmosphere.
The application process might initially seem difficult, but anyone can accomplish stunning results with the right resources and a little perseverance. Recall that the precise application of the plaster and topcoat at the right moment is essential to achieving a breathtaking Krakelyur finish.
Ultimately, Krakelyur plaster gives your house a distinct personality in addition to transforming your walls. For people who want something more than just a simple, smooth surface, it’s a great option. In light of this, Krakelyur is a wall finish that is both imaginative and classic, and it is certainly something to consider.
