{"id":1135,"date":"2026-06-25T13:42:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T11:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1135"},"modified":"2026-06-25T13:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T11:43:50","slug":"how-to-achieve-an-ice-effect-with-the-stardustcolors-crystalliser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-achieve-an-ice-effect-with-the-stardustcolors-crystalliser\/","title":{"rendered":"How to achieve an \u2018ice effect\u2019 with the Stardustcolors crystalliser"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>StardustColors&#8217; &#8220;<strong>Crystal Fx<\/strong>&#8221; crystalliser is well known for its effect on a metallic base.<br>However, as is always the case with custom paint, its application can be adapted to create a new effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, I&#8217;m going to show you how to create an \u2018<strong>ice effect<\/strong>\u2019.<br>As usual, I start by preparing my surface: <strong>sanding and degreasing<\/strong>.<br>Then I apply a <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/98-primer-adhesion-promoter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">primer<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<br>The type of primer depends on the nature of the surface (plastic, metal, composite); there is a product suitable for each material.<br>Once my primer is dry and re-sanded, I can apply my <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/97-basecoat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">base colour<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. I chose pure white, which I varnished within 30 minutes with our <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/clearcoats\/224-ppg-clearcoat.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">UHS car body varnish<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1167\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509842219306009;width:371px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/gold-plating-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After 24 hours of drying, I sanded (energetically!) this varnish with P500 sandpaper to create a highly adhesive surface for the subsequent layers.<br>At this stage, it is important to take care not to miss any varnished areas, as the success of the effect depends on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1170\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509842219306009;width:378px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-2-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once my surface was perfectly sanded, I applied <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/marble-effect-paint\/749-crystalizer-effect-500ml.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong>the crystalliser<\/strong><\/a>.<br>The piece is thoroughly wet, then shaken to remove any excess product, creating a uniform layer over the entire piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1171\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509842219306009;width:372px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-3-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential that this step be carried out at a moderate\/warm temperature.<br>The crystalliser does not work below 20 degrees (it needs to be warm to achieve a good icing effect!).<br>The crystals form quickly, so leave the product to dry completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1172\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3316064349686432;width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ice-effect-4-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once dry, I applied a coat of cyan blue (solvent-based paint required), trying not to overdo it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1173\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509842219306009;width:369px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect5-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once my blue layer was completely solvent-free, I revealed the crystals using a non-abrasive sponge and a little clean water.<br>The white crystals stand out against the blue background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1175\" style=\"width:384px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect7-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, to \u201cbind\u201d everything together, I chose to varnish with a varnish slightly loaded with <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/candy-paints\/498-candy-concentrate-3700730803267.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Candy cyan ink<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<br>And here is our finished ice effect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1176\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7509842219306009;width:392px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-1538x2048.jpg 1538w, https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Blue-cyan-ice-effect8-scaled.jpg 1922w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>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&#8217;s up to you to create!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>StardustColors&#8217; &#8220;Crystal Fx&#8221; 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&#8217;m going to show you how to create an \u2018ice effect\u2019.As usual, I start by preparing my surface: sanding and degreasing.Then I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1177,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,48,47],"tags":[21,143,141,73,140,142,144],"class_list":["post-1135","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-creator-and-share","category-informations","category-products","tag-candy-colours","tag-candy-paint","tag-crystal-fx","tag-crystalizer","tag-crystals","tag-ice-effect","tag-metalized-paint"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1135"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1178,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1135\/revisions\/1178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1177"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stardustcolors.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}