We get a lot of questions about our crackle glazes aka crazing (which makes sense, these aren't words that you hear often...if ever). From what these words actually mean to where you can use tiles with a crackle finish - we're addressing your top questions here!
First off, what is crazing?
Over time, a glaze will develop subtle surface cracks, which adds to the natural patina of a handmade tile and we call this crazing or crackle. Here's one of our glazes, Salton Sea, that has crazing:
Crazing is something that happens naturally over time. We're big fans of this effect, so we sped up the process by offering a number of glazes that crackle, or "craze" during kiln firing. Fun fact: You can actually hear the crazing happening when the tile comes out of the kiln.
Below is Salton Sea installed in a bathroom application. The crazing adds a touch of texture and a handmade feel to this soft green glaze:
Tile Shown: 3x9 in Salton Sea // Design + Image: The Fresh Exchange
Crazing is something that we cannot control from order to order, which is the beauty of handmade tile. Here's a close look at an installation where the crazing is noticeable:
Tile Shown: Paseo in Aegean Sea // Design + Image: Kaity Farrell
Where can glazes with crazing be installed?
Glazes with crazing can be installed in nearly any application. There are some limitations with steam showers and pools, but if you're going that route, just give us a call and we'll let you know what will work best.
Crackle finishes do just fine in heavily used areas, like the kitchen:
Here's a closer look:
Tile Shown: 4x8 in Frost // Design: Jillian Harris // Image: Janis Nicolay
Adriatic Sea is a color with crazing. You can see that it can be installed for both wall and floor tile in a residential bathroom:
Tile Shown: 4x4 in Adriatic Sea // Design: Yumi Interiors // Image: Michele Lee Willson
Here's Sand Dune, a glaze with visible crazing, installed alongside Milky Way in a pool application:
Tile Shown: 6" Triangles in Sand Dune and Milky Way // Design + Image: Sara Combs and Rich Combs
Here's a close up of Sand Dune for reference:
Does it affect the strength of the tile at all?
Crazing is something that happens naturally in ceramics and in no way affects the durability of the tile. Over time, your tile may develop a bit of crackle that wasn't there when it was installed initially. Don't fret! This is perfectly normal and your tile is A-ok (more on crazing overtime here).
Here's Adriatic Sea going to work in a hotel bathroom:
Tile Shown: 3x12 in Adriatic Sea // Design: Bloc Haus // Image: Mike Schwartz Photo
Does it require more maintenance?
If you are using one of our Engobe glazes you'll want to seal the tile upon installation if it is in a bathroom setting and it is good practice to re-seal crackle glazes every couple of years. It's important to note, that it's actually your grout, more so than tile, that will require occasional maintenance!
Tile Shown: Ogee Drops in Aegean Sea // Design: Jennifer Hallock Designs // Image: D Wang Photo
Can a contrasting grout be used on tiles that have crazing?
We highly recommend not using a high contrasting grout for your installation if you've chosen a lighter color glaze. While some of our tiles may exhibit no visible crazing, crazing as mentioned can develop over time and even during the installation process. When using a contrasting grout, there is a higher chance of staining your tile as shown below. Unfortunately, once a pigment has penetrated the crazing, it's nearly impossible to remove.
Like any of these colors? Order color samples online now. Need help or still confused about crackle? Simply call, chat or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented design consultants will get back to you shortly.
