Crackle Effect Paint – LAVA CRACKS

Cracked Effect Paint

The crackled effect paint LAVA CRACKS produces visible cracks as it dries, offering a very original visual effect with an antique, marbled, textured, or lava-like appearance.

The product itself does not create physical relief unless the cracked layer is applied very thickly.

The crackle effect can be left as is, or a topcoat can be applied to smooth the surface and give a matte, satin or gloss finish - or even a pearlescent look using Crystal Clearcoat.

Various applications of "crack paint" :

• Bodywork

• Furniture

• Artistic creations

Available kits:

Kit 1 L = 500 ml (base) + 500 ml (Crack)
Kit 2 L = 1 L (base) + 1 L (Crack)
Kit 10 L = 5 L (base) + 5 L (Crack)

Lava Cracks from Stardust is a single-component, ready-to-use system.

Colour of the products :

Basecoat 1 : transparent clearcoat
Crackle Coat 2 : paint available in black or colourless version (the colourless version must be tinted).

Process :

The new LAVA CRACK® paint system is carried out in 2 steps.

It is recommended to apply the products using a spray gun or an airbrush.

1 – Application of the cracked background:

On existing paints or clearcoats, or on sanded primers,or even directly on metals:

Drying time: 5 to 15 minutes maximum.

2 – Application of the crackled finish:

Apply one medium or thick coat. Do not apply a second coat.

Then allow to dry and “crack” (1–10 min).

The size of the cracks depends on the film thickness: the thicker the layer, the larger the cracks.

3 – Clearcoat application:

After the cracks have fully appeared, apply a varnish.

All types of bodywork Topcoat are suitable. Apply at least three coats to properly level the cracks.

We recommend the use of a Candy Topcoat.

Mixture :

ava Cracks is already diluted and ready to spray with a 1.4 mm / 2.5 bar spray gun.
For airbrush use, it may be thinned with Stardust thinners by 10–20%.

Coat 1 :

Single-component, ready-to-use transparent clearcoat.

Suitable for 0.5–1.5 mm airbrushes and nozzles.

Apply a glossy coat and allow to dry for 5 minutes, then apply Coat 2.

Coat 2 :

Ready-to-use single-component crackle effect paint.

Suitable for 0.5–1.5 mm airbrushes and nozzles.

Apply a medium or thick coat, then leave for 5 minutes.

Apply the Clearcoat within 20–30 minutes.

Colourless version :

The colourless version can be tinted using Stardust opaque concentrated tints at 10–15% of the total volume, or with transparent dyes.

The best “Cracked Lava” effects are obtained with:

• A white or light-coloured background.

• An opaque black crackled finish.

Many creative combinations are possible depending on imagination, with or without layering with other effects.

Example with a Candy finish:

By applying a coloured Clearcoat, the white cracks are tinted while the black remains black, creating a deep and vivid colour.

Complementary products :

Basecoat paint
Glossy Clearcoat
Concentrated opaque shades

Two options : 

1 – A bright coloured background to create maximum contrast with the black LAVA CRACK finish. This can be an opaque basecoat, a fluorescent paint, or even a pearlescent paint.

2 – A white or pearly white background to create a black-and-white effect. The final step may then be the application of a coloured Candy Clearcoat to obtain a coloured lava crack finish (the white becomes coloured, the black remains black).

Allow complete drying (24 hours), then sand with P500 grit paper.

Reserved for professional users.

Q : I would like to create a cracked effect finish on a motorcycle fairing with a neon dark red background.

A : It is preferable to use a pearly white background (fine BC8 Pearlescent or BC4 Diamond Pearlescent).

Then apply the LAVA CRACK effect (black).

Then apply a red Candy Clearcoat.

A Candy over a pearly white background produces a bright, fluorescent-like colour. The advantage is its depth and durability in sunlight compared with fluorescent paints.

Candy does not alter the black colour.

Q : If a Crystal pearl Topcoat is applied as a finish, does it provide more effect?

A : It is not advisable to apply pearl effect over the entire surface, as it will dull the black and reduce contrast, unless used sparingly. It is better to use the white pearly base technique for the background.

Lava Cracks® is a registered trademark of Stardust