Series 2000 & Stoneware-Like Glazes Information
Characteristics: The development of Series 2000 Glazes introduced a new era in glaze formulation and technology while addressing the consumer's safety needs for non-toxic glazes. While leaded glazes have a wide firing temperature range, non-toxic glazes have a narrower window in which the glaze will perform to its optimum potential. Series 2000 are ideal for schools, nursing homes and institutional use, meeting F.D.A. standard for lead and cadmium release. Their non-flowing characteristics can be used to advantage by the decorator. They have wide color palette and a range of finishes-from transparent to opaque, speckled to matte.

Application: For solid, even coverage, time and care should be given to their application. The first coat is the most important. Use an oval mop to apply to a large, plain area. A flat brush is ideal for applying color to pieces with lots of detail by helping to avoid build up in crevices. For the best coverage, apply each successive coat in an alternate direction. Always read the label instructions, as all glazes are not applied in the same way.

Notes:

  • Non-toxic & Dinnerware Safe
  • Matte Series are luster compatable; most in the gloss series are, too.
  • These glazes offer the artist the opportunity to do Majolica techniques (using a glaze on top of another unfired glaze). If doing a Majolica technique, it is best to add an additional coat of color. Handling the piece when designing can cause color to be removed.
  • The specialty glazes (UR-90 or 151) can be used over Series 2000 glazes and retain their individuality, opening endless decorating possibilities.
  • New shades can be created within certain parameters. A lighter, more transparent color is created when mixed with S-2101 Natural Clear. This glaze mix remains safe and non-toxic.
  • When mixing the Series 2000 Gloss glazes, try a small test fire. Some pigments are not stable when mixed together and will give unsatisfactory results. All matte glazes are intermixable.
  • Do not mix Series 2000 glazes with glazes outside of this family. Doing so may alter the chemical composition and cause them to no longer be non-toxic or dinnerware safe.
  • Do not apply Series 2000 to greenware as this will give very poor results.

Firing: Series 2000 glazes mature at shelf cone 06 and should be applied to bisque fired to shelf cone 04. They can be high fired up to shelf cone 6.

It is very important that bisque be fired 2 cones hotter than the glaze firing. A shelf cone should always be used to verify that the desired cone was reached through each firing.

Fast firing during the bisque and glaze firing does not allow the glaze to properly develop. This will produce trapped gases and carbons in the glaze. The preferred rate of increase during the bisque firing is 250º per hour and 375º per hour during the glaze firing.

Make sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. Always give the pieces enough space in the kiln chamber and provide proper ventilation during the firing cycle.

Stoneware-Like Glazes:

  • Apply to properly fired shelf cone 04 bisque
  • Fire to shelf cone 06
  • Non-toxic & Dinnerware Safe
  • Luster compatible
  • Can be high fired to shelf cone 6 and higher