This is one of the more common types of cracked lacquer which does not require the use of sheets of fabric (as I previously discussed in other posts). This finish is quite common as it is often seen on reproductions today. Its one of the easier effects to create and can be layer and combined with other forms of “aging” and distressing.
Lets look at the steps involved:
Applying the Base #
First a layer of “nizi” – a kind of gesso/adhesive, is spread evenly over the surface of the furniture, preferably brushing on a thicker coat of “nizi” rather then a thin one. The adhesive is then left to air dry for a short period of time. Water and fine sandpaper is then used to smooth out and polish the surface and again, allowed to air dry for a short time.
So Just what is Nizi anyways? #
Nizi can be thought of as a primer. Its main purpose is typically to offer a buffer layer between the underlying substrate and the finish applied above. This is necessary when using natural materials like wood which is subject to changes in environmental humidity. The result of such changes is shifting in the wood or the joints. While lacquer itself is typically very stable, it can and will crack or flake when subjected to the stresses of the material when it moves. Therefore a base layer of nizi serves to prevent this. Its second purpose it fill in any minor imperfections in the base material offering the effect of further smoothing the surface.
This is an ancient technique that dates back as far as the Han dynasty and in early days a mixture of ground brick, pigs blood grass and other substances were used to create this base.
In this photo we can both functions being applied. We see small cracks and joints being filled in with nizi (the grey areas) in an attempt to both further smooth the surface of the wood and to prevent any shifts in the joints from causing stress to the layer of lacquer to be applied on top.
There are many different kinds of nizi in varying consistencies used for slightly different purposes. Some are thicker, others are thinner. Some are of a drier consistency whereas others are almost wet and jelly like.
Next Steps #
Am initial coat of lacquer is then brushed over top the layer of “nizi” – usually at least two times depending on the desired thickness. This is again, then left to air dry for at least one full day. The surface is once again polished using fine sandpaper and water and a 2nd layer of “nizi” is applied which is also left to air dry for a short period of time.
A 2nd coat of lacquer is also applied again over top of the “nizi,” again using at least two coat. When this 2nd coat of lacquer has dried the surface is again given a wet polish with water and fine sandpaper and after allowed to air dry for short time.
Multi-Color Effects #
Sometimes the color of the lacquer is switched in one of the layers to cause a multi-color effect. In this case three different colors have been used:
- Black
- Cream
- Green
After this, during the final steps lacquer is sprayed on (not brushed this time, but sprayed) usually in a least two coats and once again allowed to air dry.
The last step is to brush the entire surface with two or more coats of paint thinner and again allow to air dry. These two final steps are what cause the crackly effect as the thinner causes the lacquer to react with the layers below causing it to slightly shrink, bubble and shift. Finally and areas flaking off and any larger imperfections will be smoothed out with a bit of sandpaper. Most of the time a coat of wax is applied at the very end.
The End result #
Wouldn’t you agree?
There are quite a lot of crackle finishes of this kind with quite a lot of variation. However most of them are variations of these same few basic steps. In the example above, the 2nd coat of nizi on top of the first coat of lacquer adds texture and depth.
In other variations this will be eliminated or one or more other steps are skipped. Others will add more layers on top. But in general most of them work under the same basic principal of a base primer coat, a coat of lacquer on top of that, and then some sort of thinner or other substance which reacts with the later below causing it to crackle. Sometimes the “other substance” is actually a different type of “incompatible lacquer” (which reacts with the type of lacquer used below).
Of course variations are almost infinite. Even the specific type of nizi used will can cause a different effect to occur as shown in the sample below which feels a lot more “organic” in terms of the crackling.
As most of the examples I have chosen to show here are brightly colored, recognizing them as new creations is not difficult. However, be aware in more traditional colors (black, red etc) these techniques can be used to create convincing looking reproductions that may deceive some. The two blacks crackle effects in the bottom right corner of the image below are based on the same/similar techniques and can appear quite convincing in terms of appearing to be of a certain age.
4 Responses
This is aweesome!!I think I have to try this also…
I like the crankly effect.. where else can i apply this effect?
This is great I never seen this kind before.Thank you for sharing.
Many of ways on how to acquire perfect lacquer results have been tried already. I hope this one is working.