Firing crackle glazes

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How do I fire Raku?

Firing crackle glazes

For best results with crackle glazes, after pulling the piece out of the kiln, cool the pot for a minute before putting it in to smoke. A crackle pot crackles because the glaze (the outer layer) cools before the clay itself. The glaze shrinks before the clay gets a chance to, so it cracks. Blowing on the piece before smoking it will help to promote a good crackle. Red or brown bodies will fire to a pink color with a clear crackle glaze. If you want a white pot, use a white clay body. Opaque white crackle glazes can be made, but they don't usually crackle as well.

   

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