Why are my plates cracking?

Why are my plates cracking?

From For Flux Sake by Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz

March 11, 2026 · 37 min · Season 5 · Episode 125

About this episode

The episode discusses how to prevent plates from cracking and answers listener questions about firing temperatures and vegan alternatives for shellac.

Unloading a kiln can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's filled with a new ceramic form that gives you trouble. Today the gang answer a listener question about how to keep plates from cracking, the best temperature for firing terracotta, and if there is a vegan alternative for shellac. Do you have questions or need advice on glazes? Drop us a line at ForFluxSakePodcast@gmail.com and you could be featured on an upcoming show. Are you coming to NCECA? Look for Matt and Rose at the Ceramic Materials Workshop booth and Kathy at the Harvard Ceramic booth in the expo hall. Hope to see you there. Have you checked out the new For Flux Sake Patreon? This is a great way to show your support and have access to discounted merch, live hangouts, and extra episodes. Head over to Patreon and sign up today. Today's episode is brought to you by Monkey Stuff , The Rosenfield Collection , Cornell Studio Supply , and Ceramic Materials Workshop's Making Glaze Make Sense . This week's episode features the following topics: Compression, particle packing, terracotta, low fire, shellac

People in this episode

Hosts: Kathy King, Rose Katz, Matt Katz

Topics covered

  • ceramics
  • firing techniques
  • glazes
  • terracotta
  • shellac
  • listener questions

Keywords

  • plates cracking
  • firing terracotta
  • vegan shellac
  • ceramic advice
  • glazes

Sponsors

Monkey Stuff, The Rosenfield Collection, Cornell Studio Supply, Ceramic Materials Workshop

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: For Flux Sake

Books & works: Making Glaze Make Sense

More episodes of For Flux Sake

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the For Flux Sake podcast page.