How to achieve an ‘ice effect’ with the Stardustcolors crystalliser

StardustColors’ “Crystal Fx” crystalliser is well known for its effect on a metallic base.
However, as is always the case with custom paint, its application can be adapted to create a new effect.

Today, I’m going to show you how to create an ‘ice effect’.
As usual, I start by preparing my surface: sanding and degreasing.
Then I apply a primer.
The type of primer depends on the nature of the surface (plastic, metal, composite); there is a product suitable for each material.
Once my primer is dry and re-sanded, I can apply my base colour. I chose pure white, which I varnished within 30 minutes with our UHS car body varnish.

After 24 hours of drying, I sanded (energetically!) this varnish with P500 sandpaper to create a highly adhesive surface for the subsequent layers.
At this stage, it is important to take care not to miss any varnished areas, as the success of the effect depends on it.

Once my surface was perfectly sanded, I applied the crystalliser.
The piece is thoroughly wet, then shaken to remove any excess product, creating a uniform layer over the entire piece.

It is essential that this step be carried out at a moderate/warm temperature.
The crystalliser does not work below 20 degrees (it needs to be warm to achieve a good icing effect!).
The crystals form quickly, so leave the product to dry completely.

Once dry, I applied a coat of cyan blue (solvent-based paint required), trying not to overdo it.

Once my blue layer was completely solvent-free, I revealed the crystals using a non-abrasive sponge and a little clean water.
The white crystals stand out against the blue background.

Finally, to “bind” everything together, I chose to varnish with a varnish slightly loaded with Candy cyan ink.
And here is our finished ice effect!

Ps: multiple variations are possible, blue crystals on a white background, pearly white rather than opaque, no Candy ink in the top coat, etc. It’s up to you to create!