Botz 9569 Sternenhimmel liquid glaze, 200 ml

Botz liquid glaze 9569 Sternenhimmel – glossy blue with black spots

Botz liquid glaze 9569 Sternenhimmel is a ready-to-use earthenware glaze for ceramics: a glossy, semi-transparent blue with black spots. It gives the best effect when applied thickly. On the walls of vessels the black spots pull into streaks, creating a lively, speckled look.

According to Botz, the glaze is stable in the range of 1020–1060 °C and can be fired up to 1100 °C. It tends to crackle, meaning fine cracks in the glaze, and is suitable for raku. The crackle forms because the glaze and the clay body shrink at different rates as they cool. Here the cracks are part of the look.

Application

Stir the glaze well and thin it with a little water if needed. Apply it with a brush to bisque-fired ceramics that were fired at 950 °C or higher. Let each coat dry thoroughly and repeat the application if you want a stronger effect.

Controlling runs and streaks

Sternenhimmel tends to run, especially when applied thickly. A thick coat gives the best effect, though, so a compromise is worthwhile: leave the foot of the piece unglazed and apply a thinner coat on the lower third. Stand the piece on a shelf protected with kiln wash so that glaze that runs does not fuse to the kiln shelf. On vertical walls the black spots turn into streaks, while on flat surfaces they tend to stay as spots. A test piece will show you beforehand how coat thickness and firing temperature affect your clay.

Firing range at a glance

For reliable results, fire within the stable range. A higher temperature is possible, but it is not the norm.

• Stable firing range: 1020–1060 °C
• Can be fired up to 1100 °C
• Also suitable for raku firing

Botz 9569 Sternenhimmel product details

• Manufacturer: Botz, earthenware liquid glaze
• Colour: 9569 Sternenhimmel, blue with black spots
• Finish: glossy, semi-transparent, crackle
• Stable firing range: 1020–1060 °C
• Can be fired up to 1100 °C
• Suitable for raku
• Tends to run
• Contents: 200 ml

You will also need: brush for application, bisque-fired ceramics (fired at 950 °C or higher), water for thinning if needed

Keep out of reach of children. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Children should only glaze under supervision. Ventilate the kiln room well and vent kiln fumes outdoors. Botz does not recommend crackle glazes for tableware and drinking vessels.