Mayco (UG) Fundamentals Underglazes
The Fundamentals Underglaze line is built to provide dependable color choices that can be mixed, layered, and applied to either greenware or bisque. These underglazes hold their true shade across a wide firing range, and when covered with a clear glaze, they brighten and develop a polished look. Fundamentals underglazes have become a flexible favorite in both classrooms and studios because they combine reliability with creative freedom.
Using Mayco Fundamentals Underglaze
Shake well. Apply 2-3 coats to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque for solid coverage or design. Fundamentals fire from cone 06 to cone 10. For textured surfaces, dab excess glaze out of the texture, avoiding pooling.
To intensify color or use on dinnerware, apply a clear or matte clear glaze. For clay or greenware, use underglaze, allow to dry, and fire to cone 04. If desired, apply clear glaze and re-fire to cone 06/05 for earthenware or cone 5-10 for stoneware (998°C–1285°C).
For bisque, apply glaze to cone 04 bisque, then apply clear glaze if desired and re-fire to cone 06/05 for earthenware or cone 5-10 for stoneware. A clear glaze finish enhances color and vividness. Recommended clear glazes: S-2101 Clear for low-fire, SW-001 Stoneware Clear, or SW-004 Zinc-Free Clear for mid-range.
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.
Fundamentals Underglaze Features
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 Sgraffito
”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.
