craquelure paint finish

This is craquelure and is reminiscent of the fine eggshell crazing that occurs on old varnish layers and paints where different rates of oxidization and drying between the layers cause stress cracks to appear on the surface. The prime examples being the surface of old oil paintings where the fat over lean principle has broken down in some respect. In this faux example the craquelure is emphasized by wiping the surface with pigment which remains in, and displays the cracks. A notoriously difficult effect to control so as to achieve the required size of crazing. Variable factors such as humidity, temperature, and thickness and timing of application of the craquelure on the partially dry underwork all affect the process whilst drying time in itself has its own input, often modified by the use of drying equipment.