Clear glazes are glass coatings used to completely seal the ware (decorated or undecorated, making the ware impervious to liquids. They are also used to boost the brilliance of the underlying color. Clear glazes can come in different finishes such as gloss (NT-BR, S2101) or matte (C-300).

Choosing a dipping or brushing version of a clear glaze is dependent on application preference, quantity of glazing and time. Mayco offers pre-made low fire clear glaze in both dipping and brushing formulas. Brushing clear glazes differ from dipping versions in that they contain organic additives, which make the brushing glazes thicker (viscous) than dipping formulas. These additives are meant to improve the flow of glaze from the brush and assist with the even-ness of application, enhancing the fired surface finish. The amount of glaze deposited on the ware is primarily a function of glaze viscosity and the number of applications. Typically, 2 applications are required, allowing dry time between coats. Dipping clear glazes contain fewer organic additives, making dipping glazes less viscous than their brushing counterpart. The amount of glaze deposited on the ware is a function of glaze viscosity and the amount of time left in the glaze. Often dipping glazes are preferred in a studio or production environment where a large quantity of ware is processed.

Glaze and clay/bisque bodies are both ceramic materials. During the firing process they expand and then contract together; the rate of expansion/contraction can be measured and mathematically stated as a coefficient of expansion.

Glaze and clay/bisque bodies are both ceramic materials. During the firing process they expand and then contract together; the rate of expansion/contraction can be measured and mathematically stated as a coefficient of expansion. If the two materials are not compatible – if they expand or contract at widely varying rates – the glaze may crack or chip off the body (please understand that incompatible COE’s are only one cause for glazes to chip or crack).

Mayco strives to produce glazes that are as tolerant of as many major sources of earthenware and stoneware bodies as is feasible. We stock over 20 types of clay bodies for testing purposes and glaze and fire samples from every shipment of bisque. But there are hundreds of clay bodies in use around the world, with hundreds of color glaze and clear glaze combinations being used on these bodies.

With respect to clear glaze: if you are experiencing an inordinate amount of shivering – glaze chipping off the body– you may want to try S-2000. If you are experiencing crazing – glaze in which cracks appear – you may want to try NT-CLR.

Oolites are little pebbles of calcium carbonate. They form naturally although the exact reasons for their formation are unclear. With respect to clear glaze their occurrence is usually during the late summer months – the combination of the warm temperatures and vibration the glaze may experience during transit may factors. These materials can be strained out of the glaze using a fine mesh sieve.

If the application of glaze is too heavy the C-300 will fire to a hazy/milky finish. We recommend 2 even coats.

Yes, it takes on the finish of the clear glaze i.e. if applied to a gloss glaze it will be glossy, if applied with a matte glaze it will be matte.

Use witness cones to verify the kiln is firing to the correct temperature. This is the only way to verify the internal kiln temperature.

It was formulated for a cone 06/05 firing. Mayco recommends the Stoneware line of clear glazes for higher temperatures.

Mayco’s quality control with clear glazes are on white clay bodies. Iron Oxide reacts with clear glazes causing the tint.

• Due to differences in our manufacturing process, customers will notice a difference in the viscosity of Duncan dipping glazes. Mayco advises that you retest for the proper amount of water to add to achieve your desired viscosity. The fired finish will match the Duncan manufactured standard. If you have questions, please contact Mayco’s technical support team: (614) 675-2031 / technical@maycocolors.com
• When you receive Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glazes in a 1-gallon or 3.5-gallon container you will notice very minimal settling, which is uncharacteristic of clear dipping glaze formulas. The glaze will arrive in a gel-like state and appear thicker than dipping glazes of the past. This gel formula is intentional and is by design. The gel-like state helps to keep the glaze in suspension during shipment, making it easier for you to mix in preparation of use.
• The viscosity range for Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glaze is 19-24. Please use this range as a guideline. Your personal number may vary. We strongly encourage you to try the glaze in a thicker state during your initial use than you may have become accustomed to with other dipping glazes. Due to the new technology used to develop this glaze it will perform very well when it appears thicker than glazes of the past.
• Less water in the glaze will eliminate overlap lines, keep black detail lines looking much sharper with no bleeding, and improve overall drying time.
• Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glaze has been formulated to not over accumulate on pieces making over-application issues almost non-existent. Application results can now be consistent from person to person with varying dipping techniques using the same dipping tank of glaze.
• Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glaze has an extended “open” time immediately after dipping to allow you to shake off drips and runs, but has an overall faster drying time helping you and your staff get the kilns loaded quickly with less work.
• Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glaze dries to a manageable but stable state allowing you to load kilns without the glaze flaking off in your hands. No more glazed starved plate rims! Stable drying also means no dust and mess in your studio!