October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 AMACO Kiln Ice Glazes AMACO Kiln Ice (KI) Series AMACO Brent presents the Kiln Ice (KI) Series, a new collection of six mid-range (Cone 5–6) crystalline-inspired glazes released in the summer of 2025. These glazes are designed to capture the quiet beauty of frozen surfaces — soft crackles, translucent layers, and subtle shifts of color that bring depth and light to ceramic work. The series features six distinctive glazes, each reflecting a different aspect of winter’s palette: KI-11 Snow Drift a cool, matte white with fine crackles, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow KI-18 Arctic Blush a pale rose-pink glaze with frosted undertones, soft and luminous. KI-21 Winter Glass a clear blue-aqua glaze with faint veining, suggesting frozen glass. KI-27 Glacial Lake a vivid blue-green tone, deep and tranquil like a mountain lake under ice. KI-46 Frozen Fern a soft celadon green with delicate crystalline patterns, similar to frost tracing across leaves. KI-68 Honey Crystal a warm golden amber glaze that develops gentle crackle highlights. Each glaze develops unique surface effects depending on clay body, glaze thickness, and firing schedule. While food-safe, the Kiln Ice line is best suited for decorative work due to its fine crackle finish. The KI Series continues AMACO’s tradition of combining technical refinement with natural beauty – a modern interpretation of classic “ice” and “snowflake” glazes. How to Use Kiln Ice Glazes – Tips AspectRecommendationApplicationApply thickly — multiple coats with a soft brush for full “ice crackle” development.Number of coatsUsually 3–4 heavy coats give the strongest crackle.Clay bodyWorks best on light buff or tan clay bodies without manganese (dark bodies can dull the effect).UnderlayersFor dramatic cracks, apply over a dark slip or glaze, e.g. chocolate or black base.CompatibilityPairs best with glossy or flowing glazes; avoid pairing with stiff matte glazes.FiringFire to Cone 5–6 (2167–2232°F / 1186–1222°C). A slow cool cycle can enhance the crackle. ⚠️ Common Issues Weak crackle effect → the glaze layer is too thin or under-fired. Too strong / large cracks → over-application or incompatible clay body (COE mismatch). Plain crazing without “icy depth” → normal glaze stress; try firing slightly hotter or apply thicker. Hairline cracks visible only after cooling → normal for this glaze — they develop during the cool-down. Moisture retention → don’t use for food surfaces. 🔍 Quick Troubleshooting SymptomLikely CauseFixNo crackles visibleGlaze too thinApply thicker or refire slightly hotterCracks too wideGlaze too thick / incompatible clayUse thinner coats or test on a different clayMilky haze overallToo thick or over-firedThin application or lower cone slightlyBare patchesUneven coatMix glaze thoroughly and brush evenly 🔬 Technical Notes These glazes rely on a mismatch in thermal expansion between glaze and clay to form surface cracks. When the piece cools, the glaze contracts faster than the clay body, producing the “ice fracture” effect. Each crack catches light differently — that’s why they appear icy and multi-layered. Here you can find some examples of Kiln Ice Solo AMACOArctic BlushcracklesCrystallineFrozen FernGlacial LakeHoney CrystallKiln IceSnow DriftWinter Glass
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