Cracking

Cracking

Definition

Cracking refers to visible breaks, fissures, or fractures in a surface coating or paint layer. Cracking often occurs due to aging, environmental stress, improper materials, or incompatible layering techniques, and can affect paintings, finishes, and other coated art surfaces.

Causes

• Age: Natural aging of paints, varnishes, or coatings can lead to brittleness and eventual cracking.
• Environmental stress: Fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity can cause expansion and contraction that results in cracking.
• Material incompatibility: Incompatible paint layers, varnishes, or substrates may fail at different rates, causing surface cracks.
• Mechanical stress: Bending, stretching, or impact can create cracks in delicate surfaces.

Impact on Artwork

• Disrupts visual continuity and diminishes aesthetic appeal.
• May allow dust, moisture, or pollutants to penetrate underlying layers.
• Can indicate structural or material instability that requires conservation attention.

Prevention and Care

• Maintain stable temperature and relative humidity in storage and display areas.
• Use compatible paints, primers, and coatings during creation or restoration.
• Handle framed or coated surfaces gently to avoid mechanical stress.
• Consult a professional conservator for assessment and treatment of significant cracking.

Related Terms

• Crazing
• Delamination
• Lifting
• Blister