One of the main reasons I use ASCP is because it requires no prep work. But every once in a while I have an older piece that will "crackle" and "bleed" through the first coat of paint.
Don't worry there is an EASY solution to this dreaded problem.
An example of Natural Crackle:
{This piece has been prepped with 1 coat of Shellac}
An example of Natural Crackle that bled:
{This piece has not been prepped with Shellac or AE Topcoat}
An example of bleeding:
{This piece has been treated with 1 coat of AE Topcoat}
Why does the paint crackle or bleed?
When you paint an antique/vintage piece, the wood can naturally cause the paint to crackle. When the paint crackles, it allows the original stain to seep into the paint, thus creating the dreaded crackle bleed. Another reason bleed can happen is if you sand a stained piece. When you remove the stain sealer, you remove the protection, thus allowing the stain to seep into the new paint.
One Solution:
When I first started painting, colleagues would recommend Shellacking the piece to seal the paint and stain before painting a second coat. Shellac is a great way to prevent this problem from coming back on the second coat, but its not my favorite option.
Why don't I like Shellac, you may ask?
1. Shellac has a VERY strong odor, you must shellac outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
2. Shellac turns painted surfaces yellow, even though its considered "clear."
3. After applying Shellac, you can not wash your brush in the sink with soap and water. To cut the Shellac, you must use paint thinner, which is a chemical.
4. When applying Shellac, I found that the product bubbles, thus creating more work.
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This is a piece I shellacked to prevent crackling on the second coat {see below}.
As you can see the surface has a yellow hue.
What I recommend to prevent Crackle and Bleed:
Artisan Enhancements created this wonderful product called "Clear Topcoat." This product is amazing!! Not only is it a fabulous topcoat {even over wax}, but it is the best sealer for the dreaded crackle and bleed.
My secret weapon for applying AE Topcoat is MOD PODGE's application brush. This brush is 4" long and has a thin line of bristles. It smooths out the topcoat and doesn't leave brush strokes or bubbles behind. I love this brush for large flat surfaces.
I just finished this sweet set for a little girl moving into her "big girl" room. I used ASCP and finished it off with 2 coats of Artisan Enhancements Clear Topcoat for added protection. As you can see the white paint is still white and doesn't have a yellow hue.
Share your Crackle and Bleed revival stories with us. We always love to hear from our readers.
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Thank you!! I just had an awful bleed thru experience! Finally painted it a dark colour! I just have to find an AE dealer in my neck of the woods (Ontario).
ReplyDeleteIf you can't find an AE dealer you can always use Shellac as a back up. Just don't use a brush you love when Shellacing- you have to use a paint thinner to clean the brush and it is just never the same.
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