crackled

Crackled is an adjective used to describe a surface, texture, or sound characterized by a network of fine cracks or a crackling quality. The term covers both natural aging effects and intentional decorative finishes. It is closely related to craquelure, a pattern formed by cracks in materials such as paint or glaze, and can be used in everyday description as well as in artistic contexts.

In ceramics and pottery, crackle or crackled glaze is a deliberate glaze technique. The glaze and clay body shrink at different rates during cooling, producing a web of cracks that may be left visible or accentuated with contrasting color within the cracks. The resulting pattern varies with glaze formulation, firing temperature, and cooling rate, and is often chosen for its antique or rustic appearance.

In painting and furniture finishing, crackled finishes imitate natural craquelure. Artists and craftsmen apply coatings that crack as they dry or wear, creating a vintage or aged look. Craquelure in paintings can reveal the passage of time, while in furniture it is used as a stylistic effect to evoke historic charm.

In audio and electronics, crackling refers to a noisy, crackling sound caused by loose connections, moisture, dirt, interference, or degraded components. It can occur in vinyl records as surface noise or be produced intentionally as a sonic texture in music or film sound design. Reducing crackling typically involves cleaning connections, improving shielding, and ensuring proper contact.