A glazed finish, a glossy appearance and a crackle pattern are three separate specification decisions. The 2020 archive photographs show a turquoise corrugated sample with sheen and fine surface lines. They do not identify a current item, glaze system, gloss level or the depth and cause of every visible line.
This guide helps a project team define a glazed or intentionally crazed terracotta-panel finish without confusing a controlled glaze effect with cracking of the ceramic body, edges or installed assembly. It complements the main rainscreen page rather than presenting the archive sample as a current SKU.
- Archive date
- December 2020 WordPress record
- Visible sample
- Turquoise corrugated face with sheen and fine surface lines
- Published identity
- Glazed terracotta panel; no item code or dimensions
- Gloss evidence
- No measured gloss level or approved range
- Crackle evidence
- No section, process statement or acceptance limits
- Current status
- SKU, colour, glaze and sample availability require confirmation
Define the finish in layers
Glazed
Confirm that a fired coating is present, where it covers the face, edges and returns, and whether cut or exposed edges differ. Request the current glaze and body identification for the exact item.
Gloss level
A glaze may be matte, satin or glossy; glaze does not automatically mean high gloss. Approve appearance under agreed lighting and viewing angles, using a measured range where the specification requires one.
Intentional crazing
Define whether a fine crack network is intended, how it is confined to the glaze, its acceptable density and distribution, and how edge or body cracks will be distinguished and rejected.
Colour names and screen images are insufficient controls for a reflective surface. Record the approved hue, tonal range, gloss, clouding, runs, pinholes, exposed body, glaze edge, fine craze network and any other visible condition the project intends to accept. Terms such as “antique,” “crackle” or “handmade effect” still need physical boundary samples.
The legacy copy said glazing allows richer colours and designer adjustment. That remains a design possibility, not a promise of unlimited colours. Colour development, minimum order, profile, firing response, schedule and current feasibility must be confirmed for the proposed item.
Approve an appearance range, not one ideal piece
Identify the panel
Tie the current item code, body, profile, dimensions, tolerances, mass, fixing geometry, glaze process and plant to the quotation.
Set boundary samples
Approve several labelled pieces representing acceptable colour, gloss, crazing, glaze coverage, edges, chips, bow and surface marks.
Build the mock-up
Review full modules, joints, orientation, corners, returns, cuts, flashings and adjacent glass, metal, stone or other materials in real light.
Control production
Record approved batches, inspection method, viewing distance, lighting, rejection criteria, replacements and authorized deviations.
Match finish evidence to exposure and the complete wall
A surface photograph cannot establish abrasion resistance, cleanability, moisture behaviour or long-term colour. Ask for evidence relevant to the actual panel, glaze, edges, fixing route, climate, elevation and maintenance plan. Where an intentional craze network is proposed, require the manufacturer and project team to address how it affects staining, moisture exposure, freeze-thaw evaluation, cleaning and acceptance over time.
- current panel drawing, body and glaze identification, dimensions, tolerances, mass, edge/return coverage, fixing geometry and replacement method;
- documented appearance criteria for colour, gloss, craze pattern and unacceptable body, edge or fixing-area cracks;
- project-relevant dimensional, strength, absorption, freeze-thaw, glaze-fit, thermal-cycling, staining, chemical and abrasion evidence under applicable methods;
- wind, seismic, impact, support, movement, drainage, flashing and falling-object coordination for the complete facade system;
- project-required fire, water, thermal and acoustic evidence at the correct product or wall-assembly level;
- mock-ups, delivery/site inspections, test or hold points, acceptance criteria and responsible parties; and
- environmental or health documents only when the manufacturer, plant, product, scope, method, issue date and validity can be checked.
The old article’s environmental, energy-saving, moisture-proof, breathable, sound-insulating, thermally insulating, durable, lightweight, easily installed and widely applicable claims lacked an exact model, method, result and assembly. None is carried forward as a product fact. A glazed face is one component; it does not define the performance of insulation, cavity, membrane, subframe, fixings, joints or the wall as a whole.
Test cleaning and inspect damage conservatively
Glazed does not automatically mean easy to clean. Identify the contaminant, glaze type, intentional craze pattern, joints and adjacent materials, then test the least aggressive supplier-approved method on a retained sample and mock-up. Check for gloss change, staining in fine lines, residue, edge attack and damage from tools, detergents or pressure.
During delivery and periodic inspections, distinguish the approved craze appearance from new or widening lines, open cracks, chips, spalls, loose panels, displaced joints or fixing distress. Isolate falling-object risk and refer structural, anchorage or water-entry concerns to qualified project professionals. Keep photographs, panel/batch locations, cleaning records and replacement decisions.
Turn a glazed colour idea into a controlled finish brief
Share the module, profile, colour and gloss intent, whether crazing is desired, exposure, system route, standards, quantity and programme. Ask for current labelled samples, drawings and evidence tied to the exact quoted panel.