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:

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

Aspect	Recommendation
Application	Apply thickly — multiple coats with a soft brush for full “ice crackle” development.
Number of coats	Usually 3–4 heavy coats give the strongest crackle.
Clay body	Works best on light buff or tan clay bodies without manganese (dark bodies can dull the effect).
Underlayers	For dramatic cracks, apply over a dark slip or glaze, e.g. chocolate or black base.
Compatibility	Pairs best with glossy or flowing glazes; avoid pairing with stiff matte glazes.
Firing	Fire to Cone 5–6 (2167–2232°F / 1186–1222°C). A slow cool cycle can enhance the crackle.

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⚠️ 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.

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🔍 Quick Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
No crackles visible	Glaze too thin	Apply thicker or refire slightly hotter
Cracks too wide	Glaze too thick / incompatible clay	Use thinner coats or test on a different clay
Milky haze overall	Too thick or over-fired	Thin application or lower cone slightly
Bare patches	Uneven coat	Mix glaze thoroughly and brush evenly

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🔬 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