Characteristics: Bright red and
orange colors are very popular with ceramists, but these colors should
be handled properly. Certain metal particles, raw clay or clay dust,
salt, and other foreign matter can discolor bisque glazes. If reds and
oranges are diluted or if they are not applied heavily enough, they will
look white, grey or clear. They must receive plenty of oxygen during the
firing process to prevent discoloration.
Application: When using Bisque
Glazes, extra care should be taken. The bisque, the glaze brush and the
hands should be clean. The bisque should be properly fired to a shelf
cone 04 in order to burn out any foreign matter in the clay that could
later discolor the glaze during the glaze firing. Bisque glazes should
be used on pieces that are free from sharp edges or embossing. Red
glazes have a tendency to pull away from sharp corners, so red glazes
may have a white trim if the corners of the piece are not rounded.
- Apply to properly fired shelf cone 04
bisque.
- Apply 4 full flowing coats, allowing
each coat to dry between applications.
- Utopia Glazes only require 2-3 coats of
glaze.
- Apply an extra coat to high areas for
better coverage. On highly embossed or sharp edges the color may run
off and produce a grey highlight.
- Make sure hands are clean of body oils
and salts.
- Make sure the brush is clean.
- Wipe down the bisque with a clean damp
sponge to make sure all dirt is off the ware.
- After application of glaze, allow to
dry and fire to shelf cone 06.
- Allow extra room around each piece in
the kiln for firing of pieces with red glazes. They need breathing
room for the glaze to develop and oxygen and ventilation in order to
achieve the desired color.
Notes:
- Bisque Red or Utopia glazes are
compatible with each other and can be fired with any of Mayco's
other glazes without discoloration.
- Red glazes should not be used on the
inside of food or drink containers. Due to the delayed crazing
aspect of the glaze, they should not be applied to the inside of a
container that would hold any liquid.
- Vibrant Red is semi-opaque and allows
designs in black to show through. The look of Flambé ware is a
technique done with the design done in black one stroke, fired and
the red glaze applied over it. The design is obscured, but does
recreate the look of the Flambé ware.
   
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