Crackle Glazes
Offering decorative surfaces with timeless character, crackle glazes are a distinctive type of ceramic glaze designed to produce fine crack patterns across the surface of your work. The cracks are not considered a defect and are intentionally created by a slight difference in thermal expansion between the glaze and the clay body. The result is known as crazing, and is a decorative finish that has been used for centuries worldwide. Browse our crackle glazes to find an option that suits you.
Crackle Glaze Without Learning Techniques
Crackle glaze is beautifully versatile, producing a fine web of cracks that can be left subtle and understated, or accentuated through the use of colour. Many potters choose to rub stains, oxides or even inks into the crack lines to highlight the pattern and further the contrast against the underlying clay.
Classic clear or white crackle glazes can create soft, timeless looks - while tinted and coloured options allow for more dramatic results when firing. The effect can vary depending on how thickly the glaze is applied, the recipe of the glaze and the type of clay body beneath it.
How to Fire Crackle Glazes
Firing plays a key role in producing the correct crackle effect. Most crackle glazes are designed for low to mid temperature ranges, but can also be used in specialist techniques like raku firing, where the rapid cooling process can enhance and exaggerate the crackle effect.
During cooling, the glaze contracts slightly more than the clay body, with the tension causing the glaze to crack in a controlled way and creating the desired pattern.
We recommend testing on your chosen clay before applying it to the final pieces, as results can vary. Applying up to three coats can often encourage a more consistent finish.
It is important to note that crackle glazes are not recommended for functional ware. While the crackle pattern may look great, the lines can harbour bacteria and encourage leaching if colourants are present. These glazes are best suited to purely decorative pieces.
Why Choose Potclays?
At Potclays, we're trusted by hobbyists, educators and professionals to supply a range of pottery and ceramics products to suit a range of needs. Our range of crackle glazes is perfect for earthenware, stoneware and raku and is designed to give reliable results.
While we sell a wide range of glazes, we also provide a range of other products needed for your projects, from clay to kilns and tools to raw materials. We're proud to be a one-stop shop for ceramic artists.
Need help with cone firing ranges, application techniques or whether a transparent glaze is going to have the impact you want? We're on hand to assist with any questions or queries - just get in touch.
