I use love the Gel Antiques and use them regularly. I have never had issue with them coming off, cracking or anything. I also seal almost exclusively with SuperSheen. I use the Gels by them self, over Cova Paints, Colored dyes and with resists and love the way it comes out. If you look at my gallery, you'll see a LOT of antiquing. As to your issue, I agree with Sona that is sounds like you had some form of a resist on there to block color. I'd keep trying.