Mayco Fundamental Underglaze

Mayco’s Fundamentals® were developed by our ceramic engineer, manufactured under stringent QC standards, and tested by our staff artists for colour consistency, usability, and performance on various clay bodies and firing temperatures.

VIVID VIBRANT COLOR

Underglazes were the first product line Mayco produced in 1954 and continues to be a staple for many ceramic artists. Mayco Fundamentals® Underglazes are highly versatile – use for complete coverage or in design, apply to clay or bisque – with a broad firing range of cone 06 to cone 10. Fundamentals® Underglazes serve equally well for the student making their first pinch pot and the clay artist creating works for a gallery.

GENERAL USE

Shake well. Apply 2-3 coats to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque for use in design or solid coverage. Fundamentals® have a firing range from cone 06 to cone 10. If the form you are painting has texture, dab excess colour out of the texture, and never allow the glaze to pool in the texture. To intensify colour or for use on dinnerware, apply a clear or matte clear glaze. For use on clay or greenware, apply underglaze, allow to dry, and fire to cone 04. If desired, apply clear glaze and re-fire to cones 06-05 for earthenware and cone 5-10 for stoneware (998°C–1285°C). For use on bisque, apply to cone 04 bisque, apply clear glaze if desired and re-fire earthenware to cone 06/05 and cone 5-10 for stoneware. Generally, a clear glaze finish is applied to bring out the true colour and vividness of the product. We recommend S-2101 Clear for low-fire and SW-001 Stoneware Clear Glaze unless noted SW-004 Zinc-Free Clear for mid-range.

Fundamentals® Underglazes have been formulated to mature at cone 06/05. However, most will maintain their colour at higher temperatures. Their performance at cone 6 is noted on each individual product label. We recommend testing on your clay body and in your kiln prior to use.

MATTE FINISH

Fundamentals® Underglazes will fire matte without addition of a clear glaze. To intensify colour or for use on dinnerware, apply clear or matte clear glaze. To create depth and contrast, combine the matte finish of Fundamentals® with a glossy glaze such as Stroke & Coat®.

BLENDABLE & INTERMIXABLE

Mix colours to create something new; use brushstrokes to blend colours and create shading; layer them without concern of intermixing – great for Majolica – add thin lines and details with confidence as Fundamentals® will NOT move.

APPLY TO WET CLAY

Apply Fundamentals® Underglazes directly to wet or leatherhard clay and fire to cone 04. Even on red clay, colours retain their vibrancy.

WATERCOLOR STYLE

For a more traditional and painterly approach, dilute underglazes with water to create a thinned watercolour-like glaze. Use these tints to layer for seamless blending.

PAINTERLY PROPERTIES

Much like using oil or watercolour, Fundamentals® Underglazes can be used to create a life-like portrait or landscape,. Use rendering, shading, blending and other painting techniques to add dimension and a sense of realism to your work.

GLAZE SGRAFITTO

"To scratch" in Italian, sgraffito is produced by applying layers of Fundamentals® and carving through the glaze to create depth and add contrast to your designs. An impactful and dramatic way to use Fundamentals® on your ceramics or clay surface.

ALL OVER COVERAGE OR IN DESIGN

Fundamentals® can be used for delicate designs or all over coverage. Create variation by leaving some areas matte and others glossy with clear glaze.

CO-FIRE WITH CLEAR

Fundamentals® can be co-fired with clear glaze in a single firing. This time-saver can be valuable for those in a classroom setting. Out-gassing can trap bubbles or create craters – adding a 15 minute hold will fix most surface issues.

HELPFUL HINTS

- Fundamentals® Underglazes can be used directly from the jar, but it is recommended to put onto a tile to avoid possible contamination of the remaining product in the jar. Make sure the consistency is like melted ice cream.
- Apply to greenware, clay or bisque. Lightly dampening the ware with a moistened sponge before painting allows better adhesion to the ware.
- Dip a dampened, blotted brush into the colour. Fully load the brush without dragging the brush on the side of the tile. Apply the colour in a flowing motion; if it starts to drag, reload the brush. The clay will absorb the moisture from the colour, so care has to be used when applying.
- As you flow the colour on, avoid ridges and runs. Brush these flaws out as you apply the colour. On an embossed piece do not allow excess colour to build up. Dab the excess out of the crevices with the tip of the brush as you a