What are Bisque Glazes and Utopia Glazes?

Vibrant Red, Dragon Red, Tangerine and Poppy Orange comprise a series of exceptionally bright and beautiful glazes. They are more sensitive to kiln atmosphere than the usual glaze. However, with simple precautions they may be reliably fired. The important factor is to maintain oxidizing conditions within the kiln. This may require leaving the peephole plugs out for an extra fifteen to thirty minutes. In general, a good rule to follow is to fire glaze and greenware separately. As Bisque Glazes should be applied heavily, an extra coat or two of these glazes is recommended. High or sharp points and edges would benefit from an initial coat of UR-90 Bright Red Under Red when using Poppy Red Glaze, BG-644.

How do I use Bisque Red Glaze?
Apply 4 flowing coats to shelf cone 04 bisque, with a soft oval or square glaze brush of suitable size for the ware being glazed. How full and frequently you load the brush has a definite bearing on the amount of glaze being applied. Distribute the applications evenly and in various directions, being careful not to overwork the glaze. Allow to dry. Properly fire to shelf cone 06.

What is the recommended drying time between coats when using Mayco's Bisque Red Glazes?
The sheen and wet appearance should be gone before proceeding with the next application of glaze. This time will vary based on weather and working conditions. If working on a humid day allow more drying time. As a general rule, within 30 minutes you should be able to proceed with the next coat.

Is there a recommended drying time after applying red glaze before it is fired?
Moisture is something that contaminates red glaze in the firing. Therefore, we recommend your glaze to dry thoroughly (at least overnight) before firing.

Can Bisque Red Glazes be applied to greenware?
This particular group of red glazes should not be applied or fired with greenware.

Can the Bisque Glazes be intermixed to obtain other colors of red?
Yes, you may intermix the bisque glazes EXCEPT for BG-641 Imperial Yellow. This glaze cannot be mixed with anything.

Is it possible to use a Bisque Red Glaze and a green glaze on the same piece, side by side?
YES! A major benefit to using Mayco Glaze is the reds and greens do not contaminate each other in the firing. Beautifully decorated Christmas items can easily be created using any of Mayco's reds and greens.

What causes white edges on corners, rims or detailed pieces with Red Glaze?
White edges on corners or highly detailed items are due to the sharpness of the edge or detail. The best way to avoid white corners is to round the edge when cleaning the greenware. Detailed items are a different situation. It is best to consider these white edges on detail as the highlight. Highlights are the highest areas of an item. High or sharp points and edges would benefit from an initial coat of UR-90 Bright Red Under Red when using Poppy Red Glaze, BG-644.

What causes red to fire grayish white or to smoky red?
Several things can contribute to this look, with the major cause being poor ventilation. Red glazes especially need plenty of air circulating evenly in the kiln for the color to develop. Insufficient glaze application can also result in this same look.

What causes black specks in red glaze?
Generally, specks are caused by the contamination from a dirty brush, dust, metal particles (metallic stains, glitter), or impurities on the clay. A clean brush and work area will eliminate most of these specks.

Can Red Glaze be thinned?
Yes. We suggest using AC-304 Media or distilled water when thinning. Media not only thins, but also adds a preservative, keeping the color moist longer. Using distilled water is a way of ensuring the water has not been filtered through a water softening system. The small amount of salt from softened water will bleach out the red.