Overglazes

Overglazes refer to a group of lusters and metallics applied to a previously glazed and fired surface. When fired, yield the brilliance of gold metallic, white gold metallic, and a rainbow of luster hues, like that of a pearl. 

Overglazes

NOTICE 9/3/24: Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are announcing the discontinuation of our overglazes (OG801 Bright Gold, OG802 White Gold, OG803 Mother of Pearl, OG805 Premium Gold and OA901 Essence). This decision was not made lightly and was influenced by various factors and challenges. First of all, we recently updated toxicology on the overglaze line. Due to stricter regulations recently implemented for both consumer health and the environment (including transportation), the warnings and requirements for safe use and shipment have greatly increased. Further, we have been dealing with significant packaging issues. After meeting with our supplier, it is their decision to not reformulate to a more user-friendly formula, nor are they willing to replace the antiquated equipment that is causing the packaging problems. This product line is a very small portion of their business, which they no longer wish to support. Given the myriad of issues, we have decided that discontinuing this product line is our only choice.

We recognize the disappointment this news may bring to our customers. However, alternative options such as Laguna Lusters and Colorobbia Lustres are available. Mayco continues to be deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in all our products, and we apologize for the disruption this may cause. We have given all of our distributors a chance to order. Please check with your favorite distributors on their overglaze stock.

Overglaze Info Guide

Products

Golds (Premium Gold, Bright Gold, White Gold)

Gold overglazes are opaque, with the brilliance of 22-karat yellow gold or white gold. The appearance of each overglaze is determined by the glaze the overglaze is applied over (ex. when applied over a gloss glaze, the overglaze will be shiny; a matte glaze, the overglaze will be dull). Gold Overglazes are normally applied over a fired glaze but can also be applied to unglazed high-fired porcelain or stoneware bisque. If applied over unglazed porcelain and stoneware the appearance is extremely matte. For ease of application, each brush-on overglaze is tinted with its own special color. Premium Gold has a red tint, Bright Gold has a brown tint, and White Gold has a green tint.

Mother of Pearl

Mother-of-Pearl is a metallic compound that is applied as a final finish over fired glazes that are compatible with overglazes. Mother-of-Pearl is a translucent overglaze with a lustrous iridescence, and creates an iridescent look when properly applied and fired. Its appearance is determined by the glaze that the luster is applied over (applied over gloss glaze = shiny overglaze; applied over matte glaze = dull overglaze).  For ease of application, each brush-on overglaze is tinted with its own special color. Mother-of-Pearl has a blue tint. Use Mayco’s White Handled OB-9011 1/4 Shader Mother-of-Pearl Brush.

Essence

OA901 Essence is used to thin overglazes, or re-wet dried out
overglazes on brushes or inside the bottle. Other cleaning
agents may contain water or solvents, resulting in the
separation of overglaze during subsequent applications. You
can clean brush in Essence and let dry, but it is wasteful to
throw away gold. So, when done lustering, wrap the brush in
foil, when you need to use it a few drops of Essence will bring
the luster back.

Precious Metals

We’ve captured the timeless, iridescent beauty of precious gold and everyone’s favorite gemstone and transformed it into overglazes, ideal for making your work look like a million bucks. 

Buy Overglazes
Overglaze Info Guide
Overglaze Brushes

General Use

Gold Overglaze Application

  1. Note: This product is for use by artists ages 12 and up. Read instructions prior to use.
  2. Work in a well-ventilated area when applying to your piece.
  3. Do not stir or shake overglaze.
  4. Place a small amount of gold overglaze on a glazed palette; apply one smooth coat with a brush designated for use with each respective product.
  5. Try to attain an even application of product: Premium Gold tint should be red in color; Bright Gold tint should be brown in color; White Gold tint should be green in color.
  6. Do not let overglaze pool in an area; brush out smoothly.
  7. Allow to dry.
  8. Stilt and fire gold overglaze to cone 019-018.
  9. Clean brush in Essence and let dry.

Mother-of-Pearl Overglaze Application

  1. Note: This product is for use by artists ages 12 and up. Read instructions prior to use.
  2. Do not stir or shake.
  3. Place a small amount of Mother of Pearl on a glazed palette:
  4. For a swirled look, swirl on one coat, overlapping strokes.
  5. For a smooth look, brush on all strokes in the same direction.
  6. Use a soft brush like a Deerfoot Stippler that has been designated for Mother-of-Pearl.
  7. Correct application should produce a light blue tint over applied area. A very dark blue means the Mother of Pearl is applied too heavily.
  8. Allow to dry.
  9. Stilt and fire to cone 020.
  10. Clean brush in Essence and let dry.

Essence Application

  1. Swish overglaze brush in solvent until bristles are free of product.
  2. Wipe brush on paper towel.
  3. Use a separate bottle of Essence for each overglaze product.

Troubleshooting

  1. Golds
    1. Stilt and fire golds to cone 019-018 on fast for an electric kiln.
    2. For manual kilns, operate on “low” for 45 minutes with the peepholes removed and the kiln lid fully open.  After 45 minutes, lower the lid to about 6 incase and turn the kiln up to “medium” for 45 minutes or until all smoke and odors have disappeared.  Turn the kiln on “high” and lower the lid to about 1 inch.  When the kiln is turned off, the lid and peepholes are closed.
    3. Due to variability of kilns, we recommend testing prior to applying to artwork.
  2. Mother-of-Pearl
    1. Stilt and fire to cone 020. Fire on fast for an electric kiln.
    2. For manual kilns, operate on “low” for 45 minutes with the peepholes removed and the kiln lid fully open.  After 45 minutes, lower the lid to about 6 incase and turn the kiln up to “medium” for 45 minutes or until all smoke and odors have disappeared.  Turn the kiln on “high” and lower the lid to about 1 inch.  When the kiln is turned off, the lid and peepholes are closed.
    3. Due to variability of kilns, we recommend testing prior to applying to artwork.

Certified Non-Toxic Dinnerware Safe

Overglazes are non-toxic after firing. Work in a well-ventilated area when applying to your piece. Overglazes are dinnerware safe but ware decorated with gold overglazes should not be used in microwave ovens.

Overglazes can be used on surfaces that come into contact with food and drink. Care must be taken to avoid hard scrubbing when washing overglazed ware, because of the possibility of scraping off the thin layer of gold or mother of pearl. Treat your overglazed pieces as you would fine china. Although overglazed ware will take repeated washings in a dishwasher, the overglaze will eventually wear away.

Video

Helpful Hints

  • If overglazes are accidentally applied in the wrong area, dip a cotton swab in Essence and neatly wipe off misplaced color.
  • If any areas are missed, go back and touch up before either the gold overglaze or the Mother of Pearl dries.
  • For solid coverage with Bright Gold and Premium Gold, apply over a yellow glaze or a yellow underglaze covered by clear glaze for best results; for solid coverage with White Gold, apply over a gray glaze or a gray underglaze covered by a clear glaze.
  • Overglazes dry in about one hour, but overglazed ware can be fired while still wet. The kiln must be clean, well ventilated (do not overload) and follow a normal firing schedule. Do not touch wet decoration and handle as little as possible until ware is fired to avoid smudging.
  • Caution – Overglazes contain solvents and should be used in a well-ventilated area. Those susceptible to odors (such as pregnant women) should be especially careful to work only in areas with an adequate ventilation system. During firing, odors are not dangerous but can be offensive. These odors quickly leave the area; however, you should not work in the kiln area during firing.
  • When using gold overglazes and mother of pearl on the same piece, it is best to apply the gold overglaze first, fire to cone 019-018, and then apply the Mother of Pearl and refire to cone 020.
  • Dinnerware Safety – Overglazes can be used on surfaces that come into contact with food and drink. Care must be taken to avoid hard scrubbing when washing overglazed ware, because of the possibility of scraping off the thin layer of metal or luster. Treat your overglazed pieces as you would fine china. Although overglazed ware will take repeated washings in a dishwasher, the overglaze will eventually wear away.
  • Overglaze Accessory: OA 901 Essence is the necessary cleaner for brushes used with  Overglazes. Any other cleaning agent may contain water or solvents which will cause separation of the overglaze during subsequent applications.
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