Mayco Fundamentals Underglazes

Mayco’s Fundamentals® were developed by Mayco's ceramic engineer, manufactured under stringent QC standards, and tested by Mayco's staff artists for color 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 color out of texture, and never allow the glaze to pool in the texture.To intensify color or for use on dinnerware, apply 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 cone 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 color and vividness of the product. We recommend NT-CLR One Dipping Glaze or NT-BR Clear One Brushing Glaze for low fire.

Fundamentals® Underglazes have been formulated to mature at cone 06/05. However most will maintain their color 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.

Available sizes: 2oz jar and 16oz wide-mouth pint

MATTE FINISH
Fundamentals® Underglazes will fire matte without addition of a clear glaze. To intensify color 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 colors to create something new; use brushstrokes to blend colors 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, colors retain their vibrancy.

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

PAINTERLY PROPERTIES
Much like using oil or watercolor, 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 color. Fully load the brush without dragging the brush on the side of the tile. Apply the color in a flowing motion; if it starts to drag, reload the brush. The clay will absorb the moisture from the color, so care has to be used when applying.
• As you flow the color on, avoid ridges and runs. Brush these flaws out as you apply the color. On an embossed piece do not allow excess color to build up. Dab the excess out of the crevices with the tip of the brush as you apply Fundamentals™ Underglazes.
• Apply the first coat. When the dark wet look has disappeared, apply the second coat at a right angle to the first. The third is then applied at a right angle to the second coat. This will assure better coverage. Fundamentals® Underglazes can also be applied by sponging and spattering.
• If cone 06 does not develop the color you want – go hotter. We recommend cone 03 – 04. Fundamentals® can take the extra heat work – push them to get the vibrancy you need.
• Mix AC-310 Silkscreen Medium with any Fundamentals® Underglaze color to screenprint quickly and easily, creating fine details with your favorite Silkscreen from Mayco.
• If applying to greenware or clay: paint design on the ware, fire to cone 04 and then apply a transparent glaze and fire to cone 06 (two firings). If done this way, Fundamentals® Underglazes color will be lighter. If applying to bisque allow the Fundamentals™ Underglazes to dry and apply clear glaze and fire to cone 05.
• Opaque Fundamentals® Underglazes are not true color out of the jar. Firing is required to mature their color.

For more information on mid-range performance, Click here to view Mid-Range firing guide PDF.

Click here for Mayco's info on Dinnerware & Food Safety.