Botz 9868 Gletscher stoneware glaze, 800 ml

Botz stoneware glaze 9869 Bergsee – glassy water green with fine crackle

Bergsee (9869) is a glassy stoneware glaze from Botz in a cool, translucent water green with fine crystalline crackle. The colour depends on the firing temperature: at 1220 °C the surface is not quite smooth and an intense turquoise. At 1250 °C it gives a smooth surface with deep cracks in a celadon tone. At 1280 °C the glaze becomes even glassier, slightly greenish and tends to run a little.

Crackle occurs because glaze and clay body shrink by different amounts as they cool – the cracks are intended here. As the glaze is semi-transparent, the colour of your clay affects the result: on pale stoneware the green looks clearer, on dark clay it looks deeper. A test tile made from your clay shows you beforehand how the glaze will look.

Application and firing

• For its liquid glazes Botz recommends a bisque firing at approx. 950 °C
• Stir the glaze well, apply 2 to 3 coats with a brush and let each dry thoroughly
• Firing range: 1220–1280 °C
• Recommended firing temperature: 1250 °C with a 30-minute hold

Fired within the firing range, the stoneware becomes vitrified and frost-resistant.

Preventing running

Bergsee tends to run, especially at 1280 °C. According to Botz, a glaze usually runs because it is applied too thickly or fired too hot. Apply it more thinly on the lower third of the piece and leave the foot unglazed. Protect the kiln shelf with kiln wash, for example Botz kiln wash art. no. 90108.

Botz 9869 Bergsee product details

• Manufacturer: Botz, Stoneware series
• Colour: 9869 Bergsee
• Contents: 800 ml
• Finish: glossy, semi-transparent, with crackle
• Firing range: 1220–1280 °C

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.