Inspired by aspects of nature, Mayco Elements Glazes and produce lush, organic, and earthy hues.
Designed to simulate the aesthetic, movement and interest of mid-range and high fire glazes in a cone 06/05 oxidation kiln firing, Mayco Elements Glazes and give artists a wide variety of options in one product, as glaze application, firing temperature and shape will influence the outcome of finished work. Mayco Elements Glazes are a two-tone glaze with a main colour and a secondary colour called a float. When Mayco Elements Glazes are applied to detail pieces, the float colour will appear in the crevices. Application and firing will also affect the outcome of main colour or float.
AS A STANDALONE GLAZE
Mayco Elements Glazes are stunning on their own. Vary the number of coats and ware used to achieve different variations of one glaze.
IN DESIGN
Mayco Elements Glazes may be used to create designs or applied as a natural backdrop to your artwork.
GLAZE COMBINATIONS
Layer Mayco Elements Glazes colours when applying or use in combination with other glazes, such as Stroke & Coat, Foundations, Jungle Gems or Stoneware to create unique looks.
WITH DESIGNER LINER
Designer Liner designs will not move or blend when used over Mayco Elements Glazes.
WITH POTTERY CASCADES
Mayco Pottery Cascade glazes act as a flux with Mayco Elements Glazes to create movement in the colours. Great visual effects are created when added under, over or in-between Mayco Elements Glazes or Pottery Cascades are perfect for the low fire designer seeking to create the looks achieved at higher temperatures. Variability ensures that no two designs will be exactly alike.
WIDE FIRING RANGE
While formulated for cone 06/05 use, many of the Mayco Elements Glazes and glazes perform beautifully at higher temperatures. Refer to the individual colour label for cone 6 firing performances. As Mayco Elements Glazes tend to flow at higher temperatures, the orientation at which your glazed ware is fired (flat vs vertical) can greatly impact the look. Due to the movement of the glaze, we recommend limiting the glaze on the bottom third of a vertical piece to avoid running off the ware. We recommend testing to determine colour, surface characteristics and movement prior to use.
GENERAL USE
Shake for five to six seconds before use.
Dispense glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) and apply with a soft brush or decorating accessory of choice (sponge, stamp, etc.). Dipping your brush directly into the jar may contaminate the jar’s contents, especially if you are using other glazes. Apply three to four coats to your piece.
Mayco Elements Glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06 (999° C or 1830º F). When applying them over a large surface area, we recommend a broad, soft fan brush.
Moisten the brush with water first. The brush fully saturated (loaded) and each coat applied in the same direction. When the wet look has gone from the first coat, you may apply the next coat of glaze.
Be sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended (250°F per hour) at shelf cone 06. Mayco Elements Glazes can be fired at higher temperatures but will change in appearance. We recommend testing prior to use.
Some Mayco Elements Glazes are not to be recommended for dinnerware produced from low fire earthenware clay bodies as these glazes can exhibit surface textures such as cracks and crevices.
While the glazed surface may pass lead & cadmium leach tests, and therefore legally considered Food Safe, attempts to adequately clean the textured surface may cause the underlying porous ware to absorb water and fail.
Mayco Elements Glazes may be considered dinnerware safe if surface texture is eliminated when firing to mid-range or high fire temperatures. The key is recommended usage for low fire (earthenware cone 05/06) dinnerware. Glazes with surface texture applied to vitrified clay bodies do not have the same concern.
HELPFUL HINTS
Uneven glaze application can affect the look of the glaze. We recommend application in one direction.
The amount of detail on the ware can also affect the fired finish.
Allow ample room for air circulation in the kiln during the firing process as heat work and adequate oxygen can influence the glaze appearance.
The ever-popular FN-215 Aztec Jade, FN-217 Evergreen Fir, FN-218 Green Sapphire, and FN-219 Lustre Green are part of the Elements product family as their performance characteristics are similar.
Many of the Mayco Elements Glazes produce interesting effects at higher firing temperatures (cone 6) but will change colour. We recommend testing to determine colour, surface characteristics, and movement prior to use.
USAGE VARIATIONS AND FAQS
What are some basic tips for creating effects with Mayco Elements Glazes?
Apply to properly fired shelf cone 04 bisque. Use a soft fan or glaze brush, depending on the area and surface to be covered. Generally, three- four coats of glaze are recommended. However, applying four coats will produce a totally different look. For a different effect, brush on three coats and apply a final fourth coat using a silk or sea wool sponge. An uneven glaze application and the ware’s shape and surface (plain or embossed) will also affect the look of the glaze. Painting in a criss-cross fashion will affect the fired finish.
Are Mayco Elements Glazes lustre compatible?
When Mayco Elements Glazes are re-fired to lower lustre temperatures (shelf cone 018-020), the original glaze colour changes. If this is not the desired effect you will not want to apply lustres over them. However, you may find the re-fired finishes to be desirable. Our advice is to experiment and make test samples using lustres with the specific Element™ glaze with which you are using.
Can I use Stroke & Coat with Mayco Elements Glazes?
If you choose to apply the two glazes, keep in mind that there will be chemical interaction between the glazes and Stroke & Coat® may change colours. Additionally, Elements® glazes move, so a design may lose the definition. It is recommended to test.
What recommendations do you have for firing Mayco Elements Glazes to cone 6?
Many Mayco Elements Glazes create beautiful effects when used with stoneware in a cone 6 firing environment. Cone 6 colour results can be found on the left-hand side of the label giving a description of the fired results at cone 6. Care must be used in the application as Elements will be quite fluid and move during the firing process. Keep away from the bottom of ware by tapering toward the bottom of the piece or create a natural stop with another glaze. Many of the Mayco Elements Glazes produce interesting effects at cone 6 but will change colour. We recommend testing to determine colour, surface characteristics, and movement prior to use. Testing should also be done to determine if this glaze fits the cone 6 clay body you are using.
