Classic, matte, crystal, and glossy
One of the most distinctive features of Mayco Stoneware glazes is their consistent performance and intriguing visual depth. They are best known for being user-friendly during both application and firing. These stoneware glazes are easy to apply in layers and to fire.
Many of these glazes have the property of “breaking” across the texture of the piece—this brings out secondary hues and color nuances. It’s important to note that the final result will be influenced by the type of clay chosen, the thickness of the glaze layer, the firing process, and the temperature.
General Use
Stoneware Classic and Matte glazes: Mix thoroughly. Apply to bisque fired to cone 04/06. Apply one, two, or three coats, depending on the desired result. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one. Fire at a temperature ranging from cone 5/6 (approximately 1222°C) to cone 10. For additional information about specific glazes and their properties at 10 cone, refer to the product label.
Stoneware Crystal (crystalline) glazes: These glazes are designed to produce stunning bursts of color on the surface. The crystals settle at the bottom of the container, so be sure to stir the glaze thoroughly before use and between coats. Apply two or three coats using a fan brush or a wide, soft brush. While the glaze is still wet, use a brush to distribute the crystals evenly to achieve a balanced look. Too many crystals can cause pinholes or glaze run-off. Avoid placing crystals in the lower third of a vertical piece, as they may cause the glaze to run during firing.
Stoneware Gloss (glossy) glazes: These glazes can be used for both decoration and full coverage; they are ideal for mixing colors at medium temperatures. The contours of your design will remain intact, as these glazes are exceptionally stable—they do not run or blend into adjacent colors.
Stoneware Classic and Matte Glazes
Safety and Suitability for Use with Food
Mayco Stoneware Classic glazes are categorized as either AP Non-Toxic or CL (Health Caution). Please review the label for each specific color to determine its health classification and any applicable warnings.
According to FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) standards, all glazes in the “Stoneware Classic” line are food-safe. Note: Commercial manufacturers may need to conduct their own food safety testing on their products before placing them on the market.
With the exceptions listed below, the “Stoneware Classic” and “Matte” glazes are also suitable for tableware (Dinnerware Safe) if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fired to the temperature at which the clay body is fully vitrified.
Exceptions (not suitable for tableware): These glazes are not suitable for tableware due to the durability characteristics of the fired glaze surface:
SW132 Mirror Black, SW164 Satin Patina, SW182 Antique Brass, SW185 Rainforest, SW186 Azurite, SW187 Himalayan Salt, SW195 Riptide, SW197 Fossil Rock, SW215 Micro Champagne, SW216 Micro Jade, SW217 Micro Cerulean, SW218 Micro Ash, SW223 Milk Glass.
Some glazes, regardless of the surface texture or the porosity of the clay, are labeled as unsuitable for tableware because their surface is not sufficiently resistant and may be affected by contact with food or liquids. Although this may not be harmful to health, it is an undesirable characteristic for everyday use.
Recommendation: The glazes listed above (SW132, SW164, SW182, etc.) are recommended for decorative purposes only.
Stoneware Crystal Glazes
“Mayco Stoneware Crystal” glazes are categorized as either AP Non-Toxic (non-toxic) or CL (Health Caution) (with a health warning). Please review the label for each specific color to determine its health classification and any applicable warnings.
In accordance with FDA standards, all glazes in the Crystal line are food-safe. Note: Manufacturers of commercial products may need to conduct their own food safety tests on their products before placing them on the market.
With the exception of SW122 Green Jasper, all glazes in this line are suitable for tableware (Dinnerware Safe) if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and fired to the full vitrification temperature of the clay body. However, if the glaze surface is highly textured due to crystals, you should use your own judgment—not so much for safety as for aesthetic appeal.
Exception:
SW122 Green Jasper is not suitable for tableware due to the durability of its fired glaze surface. Some glazes, regardless of surface texture or clay porosity, are labeled as unsuitable for tableware because their surface is not durable and may be affected by contact with food or liquids. Although this may be harmless, it is undesirable. SW122 Green Jasper is recommended for decorative purposes only.
Stoneware Gloss Glazes
Mayco Stoneware Gloss glazes are non-toxic (AP Non-Toxic), safe for contact with food, and suitable for use on tableware when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Manufacturers of commercial products may be required to conduct food safety tests on their products before placing them on the market.
Interaction with other glazes:
Mayco Stoneware glazes are ideal for layering, both under and over other glazes. Potters can achieve incredible results using just a combination of two glazes.
Stoneware with Stroke & Coat®
Most Stroke & Coat® glazes retain their properties very well even at medium firing temperatures. Darker colors, such as red, orange, yellow, blue, and green, may darken slightly compared to results at Cone 06. Lighter colors, such as brown, purple, or pink, may fade.
Stoneware with Elements™
Many Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies glazes produce stunning effects when applied to stoneware at medium temperatures. It is important to note that during firing, Elements™ glazes become quite runny and tend to flow, so apply them away from the bottom of the piece.
Stoneware with Jungle Gems™
Jungle Gems™ glazes, when used at medium temperatures, produce very interesting results. At higher temperatures, the crystals will become even more fluid and act more as a color-blending agent than as individual dots.
Stoneware with Designer Liner
Designer Liner allows potters to achieve crisp lines when firing at temperatures ranging from Cone 06 to Cone 6. To ensure maximum line definition and quality, apply a non-runny transparent or semi-transparent glaze over the Designer Liner.
Helpful tips:
Stoneware Crystal Glazes
- Stirring: The crystals settle at the bottom of the container, so be sure to stir them well before use. Stir the glaze before applying each new coat. Use a spatula or another unpainted tool for stirring.
- Layering: An excessive amount or a dense accumulation of crystals in one area can cause pinholes or glaze runoff.
- Flow: The crystals melt and flow more readily than the base glaze. When applying the final layer, use a brush to evenly distribute the crystals over the top two-thirds of the piece, avoiding the bottom third.
- Distribution: While the glaze is still wet, you can use a brush to rearrange the crystals to achieve an even distribution.
- Storage: When storing crystal glazes, you can keep them upside down—this will make it easier to distribute any settled crystals the next time you use them.
Stoneware Matte Glazes
Color Variation: The SW-136 Weathered Blue, SW-137 Storm Gray, and SW-138 Lemon Meringue glazes are unique in that their appearance changes depending on the number of coats applied. With a single coat, the base color will be more prominent, while additional coats will enhance the marbling effect and the variations in white tones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
