Lava Crack
Lava Cracks Paint – Volcanic Crackle Effect for Custom Surfaces
Lava Cracks is a unique two-stage paint system that creates a dramatic, fractured surface resembling cooled volcanic lava. Developed by Stardust Colors, it’s ideal for customisation projects in automotive, furniture, and interior décor. The system is solvent-based and consists of a transparent basecoat followed by a special topcoat that naturally cracks during the drying process. The result is a bold and rugged texture that visually pops—perfect for eye-catching designs.
The application process starts with a properly prepared surface. After applying a primer, users spray a coloured basecoat—typically white, silver, or pearl to enhance contrast. Then comes Lava Cracks I (the base layer), a transparent coat that sets the foundation for cracking. Once this is tack-dry, Lava Cracks II is sprayed on thickly. Within 1–10 minutes, random cracks begin to appear across the surface. The thicker the second coat, the larger and deeper the cracks will be.
This effect can be applied to a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and ceramics. It’s especially popular in motorcycle customisation, helmet art, and furniture refinishing. The bold texture and unpredictable crack patterns give every piece a distinct and artistic feel.
How to Use Lava Cracks Paint – Complete Guide for Artists and Customisers
Lava Cracks Paint is more than just a visual effect—it’s a creative tool for professionals and DIYers alike. Once the crackle pattern forms, it’s essential to protect and enhance the finish with a topcoat. Depending on the desired look, you can use gloss, satin, matt, or pearl clearcoats. For those wanting to push the effect further, a tinted Candy Clearcoat can be used to colour the base layer, making the black cracks stand out with vivid depth and tone.
The system is easy to customise. You can adjust the crack size by altering the spray thickness, and use different coloured undercoats to control the final look. White or metallic bases work particularly well with tinted clears to produce glowing effects that shift in the light.
Lava Cracks is suitable for use on motorbike tanks, car panels, interior feature walls, wooden furniture, and even artistic installations. Its durability is ensured by sealing the surface with 2–3 coats of clear lacquer. The final result is a stunning, professional-grade finish with high visual impact.
Whether you’re a painter, customiser, designer, or hobbyist, Lava Cracks opens the door to bold creativity and unforgettable surface finishes. With the right base, thickness, and clearcoat, you can create truly volcanic artwork—one crack at a time.
