Achieving a crackle or crazing effect in glazes is a sought-after technique in ceramics, creating intricate web-like patterns that add depth and character to finished pieces. The most common methods include controlled thermal shock, where rapid cooling causes the glaze to contract faster than the clay body, producing fine cracks. Another approach involves manipulating glaze chemistry by adjusting the silica-to-alumina ratio or introducing fluxes like sodium or potassium to create tension between layers.

Some potters apply multiple glaze layers with differing expansion rates, while others use specialized crackle glazes formulated to craze predictably. The application thickness also plays a role—thicker applications tend to craze more dramatically. Firing temperature and cooling rate significantly impact the final effect, with slower cooling often reducing crazing. While some consider crazing a defect, many ceramic artists intentionally cultivate these crackled surfaces for their aesthetic appeal and unique visual texture.

Modern techniques include using commercial crackle glazes or creating DIY versions with specific recipes. Post-firing treatments like applying stains or oxides into the cracks can enhance the effect. Understanding these methods allows ceramic artists to control the degree and pattern of crackling for consistent, beautiful results in their glazed work.