Most of the glazes that we use are based on the 85/15 formula, 85 parts of high alkali frit and 15 parts of china clay. This gives consistently good results and a nice crackle, and we love a good crackle.

However, if you want metallic copper you will not get a crackle, also with some of the other metallic finishes you will not get a crackle.

Reduction, we use sawdust, from a local joinery shop, it can be very variable in size and quality, but always gives god results. However you must bear in mind that it is not always easy to get the same thing over and over again. That is one of the joys of raku, it is always different.

The base glaze is just that, 85 high alkali frit and 15 china clay, it is a good transparent glaze, a bit on the pale pink side sometimes, depending on the body it is fired on.

Fine white crackle
High alkali frit 85
China clay 15
Tin oxide 8
This is a good reliable glaze with a small crackle which varies a bit depending on the surface curvature of the work. Over a high iron body like some of the cranks it needs to go on fairly thickly overwise it wil be somewhat pink.
It is a good clean white in both oxidation and reduction.

Celtic tile, fine white crackle on crank paper clay, reduced, black areas were wax resisted.
Number 136, a different white crackle High alkali frit 83 Ball clay 10 Flint 5 Bentonite 2 Tin oxide 8 The bentonite is a suspender, when ball clay is used (in this case it is black ball clay) it can easily settle to a consistency similar to concrete. It should be well stirred before applying.
No 136, on white stoneware, reduced. Better where thin.

More glazes