Botz 9878 Craquelé stoneware glaze, crackle effect, 800 ml

Botz 9878 Craquelé stoneware glaze – glossy crackle glaze

Botz stoneware glaze 9878 Craquelé is a glossy, translucent glaze for stoneware that forms a fine network of cracks as it cools. You can use it for decorative pieces such as bowls, vases or tealight holders, where the surface itself is the design feature. The glaze is stable in the firing range of 1220–1280 °C; 1250 °C with a 30-minute hold is recommended. Fired within this range, the surface becomes vitrified and frost-resistant and absorbs no water.

Craquelé occurs because the glaze and the clay body shrink by different amounts as they cool. The cracks therefore often only appear after firing, and the crackle network sometimes only develops fully after a few days. So do not judge the result as soon as you open the kiln. As the glaze is translucent, the colour of your clay also affects the overall look; a test piece will show you beforehand how it turns out on your clay.

Applying the glaze

Stir the glaze well before use so that the settled particles are brought back into suspension. Apply it to the bisque-fired clay body and let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.

• 2–3 coats with a brush, 3 recommended
• Let dry thoroughly between coats
• Fire in the range 1220–1280 °C, ideally at 1250 °C with a 30-minute hold

Making the cracks visible

Once the piece has cooled, you can colour the crackle network: rub the surface with strong black tea or Indian ink, then wipe it off. The colour stays in the cracks and makes the craquelé stand out clearly.

Preventing runs

The glaze tends to run. Apply it more thinly on the lower third of the piece and leave the foot unglazed. Protect the kiln shelf with kiln wash so that any glaze that runs off does not fuse to it.

Botz 9878 Craquelé product details

• Manufacturer: Botz, stoneware series
• Shade: 9878 Craquelé
• Contents: 800 ml
• Surface: glossy, translucent, forms craquelé
• Firing range: 1220–1280 °C
• Recommended firing temperature: 1250 °C, 30-minute hold

You will also need: brush for application; kiln wash for the kiln shelf.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.