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Mason Stains® by Mason Color Works
Black, Grey & White • Brown • Red & Pink • Orange
Yellow • Green • Blue • Purple
Click here for:
How to Use Mason Stains®
Common Troubleshooting Questions about Mason Stains®
Mason Stains® by Mason Color Works is one of the leading stain manufacturers in the US, with a full palette of hundreds of colors fritted to ensure consistent results. Colors we don't stock are available by special order. (Order minimum weights may apply.) Mason Stains® can be added to glazes, slips and clay bodies in the same way as oxides and carbonates. Most Mason Stains® can be used at all firing temperatures; these stains were specifically formulated for oxidiizing atmospheres. They will remain reliable up to cone 10. Check the usage notes for each color for any conditions of use or firing limits that may apply.
| Reference Notes |
Key to Composition |
- Can be used as body stain in porcelain at cone 6 or cone 10.
- Maximum firing temp 2156°F (1180°C).
- Maximum firing temp 2390°F (1310°C).
- Maximum firing temp 1976°F (1080°C).
- DO NOT USE zinc in glaze with this stain.
- This stain may be used with or without zinc.
- Zinc is not necessary but gives better results in glaze.
- Best glaze results with NO zinc.
- Glaze must contain 6.7% to 8.4% calcium oxide.
|
| Al |
Aluminum Oxide |
Al2O3 |
| B |
Boric Acid |
B2O3 |
| Ca |
Calcium Carbonate |
CaO |
| Co |
Cobalt Oxide |
CoO |
| Cr |
Chromium Oxide |
Cr2O3 |
| Fe |
Iron Oxide |
Fe2O3 |
| Mn |
Manganese Dioxide |
MnO2 |
| NiO |
Nickel Oxide |
NiO |
| Pr |
Praseodymium Oxide |
Pr6O11 |
| Sb |
Antimony Oxide |
Sb2O3 |
| Si |
Silicon Dioxide |
SiO2 |
| Sn |
Tin Dioxide |
SnO2 |
| Ti |
Titanium Dioxide |
TiO2 |
| V |
Vanadium |
V2O5 |
| Zn |
Zinc Oxide |
ZnO |
| Zr |
Zirconium Dioxide |
ZrO2 |
|
* Zinc Oxide influences the color in a glaze more than any other element. Genreally, zinc-free glazes should not contain magnesium oxide. Some colors containing zinc are to be used in a zinc-free glaze. The zinc in the color is in a combined form and will not harm the color, but free zinc oxide in the glaze can destroy the color. |
* Calcium oxide content (as calcium carbonate) should be 12 to 15% for best color development. Adding the molecular equivalent of calcium oxide with Wollastonite (a natural calcium silicate) often gives better uniformity, but factor in Wollastonite's higher silica content or the glaze will have a poor surface. |
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Black, Grey & White
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MA6650
Cobalt-Free Black
Composition: Cr Fe (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$6.33 |
$11.50 |
$20.90 |
$95.00 |
|
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MA6600
Best Black
Composition: Cr Fe Co Ni (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.25 |
$8.68 |
$15.75 |
$28.60 |
$130.00 |
|
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MA6612
Onyx Black
Composition: Co Cr Fe Ni (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.78 |
$19.55 |
$35.50 |
$161.00 |
|
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MA6500
Sage Gray
Composition: Co Cr Ni Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$7.23 |
$13.10 |
$23.80 |
$108.00 |
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MA6700
Basic White
Composition: Zr Al Si (Usage Notes: 3-6-8)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$4.60 |
$8.35 |
$15.10 |
$68.50 |
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Brown
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MA6109
Deep Brown
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.00 |
$6.13 |
$11.10 |
$20.10 |
$91.00 |
|
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MA6126
Hazelnut Brown
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.90 |
$10.70 |
$19.40 |
$88.00 |
|
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MA6129
Golden Ambrosia
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.60 |
$10.15 |
$18.40 |
$83.50 |
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Red & Pink
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MA6001
Alpine Rose
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.35 |
$18.80 |
$34.10 |
$155.00 |
|
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MA6003
Crimson
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.50 |
$19.05 |
$34.60 |
$157.00 |
|
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MA6006
Deep Crimson
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.60 |
$19.25 |
$35.00 |
$159.00 |
|
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MA6020
Manganese Pink
Composition: Mn Al (Usage Notes: 1-3)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.00 |
$5.60 |
$10.15 |
$18.40 |
$83.50 |
|
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MA6097
Red
Composition: Cd Se Si Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$15.20 |
$27.60 |
$50.10 |
$227.50 |
|
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MA6025
Coral Red
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$11.90 |
$21.60 |
$39.20 |
$178.00 |
|
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MA6088
Dark Red
Composition: Cd Se Si Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$15.63 |
$28.40 |
$51.60 |
$234.50 |
|
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MA6026
Lobster Red
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.10 |
$18.35 |
$33.30 |
$151.00 |
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Orange
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MA6028
Encapsulated Orange
Composition: Cd Si Zr Se (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$15.23 |
$27.65 |
$50.20 |
$228.00 |
|
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MA6030
Mango Orange
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$15.23 |
$27.65 |
$50.20 |
$228.00 |
|
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MA6027
Tangerine
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.08 |
$18.30 |
$33.20 |
$150.50 |
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Yellow
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MA6450
Praseodymium Yellow
Composition: Pr Si Zr (Usage Notes: 3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$8.60 |
$15.60 |
$28.30 |
$128.50 |
|
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MA6479
Sunshine Yellow
Composition: Cd Si Zr Se (Usage Notes: 3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$14.28 |
$25.95 |
$47.10 |
$214.00 |
|
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MA6485
Titanium Yellow
Composition: Cr Ti Sb (Usage Notes: 1a-3)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.95 |
$10.80 |
$19.60 |
$89.00 |
|
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MA6404
Vanadium Yellow
Composition: Sn V (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$5.00 |
$14.23 |
$25.85 |
$47.00 |
$213.50 |
|
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MA6464
Zirconium Yellow
Composition: Zr V (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.78 |
$19.55 |
$35.50 |
$161.00 |
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Green
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MA6280
Avocado Green
Composition: Al Co Cr Fe Si Ti V Zn Zr (Usage Notes: 3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.00 |
$10.15 |
$18.45 |
$35.50 |
$152.00 |
|
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MA6242
Bermuda Green
Composition: Zr V Pr Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$8.43 |
$15.30 |
$27.80 |
$126.00 |
|
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MA6201
Celadon Green
Composition: Cr Co Zn Al Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6-8)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.45 |
$9.90 |
$18.00 |
$81.50 |
|
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MA6236
Chartreuse Green
Composition: Si Ti V Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$11.65 |
$21.15 |
$38.40 |
$174.50 |
|
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MA6209
Chrome Green
Composition: Cr Si (Usage Notes: 3-5)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$7.35 |
$13.35 |
$24.20 |
$110.00 |
|
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MA6219
French Green
Composition: Cr Co Zn Ca Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-5-8)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.75 |
$10.45 |
$19.00 |
$86.00 |
|
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MA6266
Peacock Green
Composition: Cr Co (Usage Notes: 1-3-6-8)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.08 |
$18.30 |
$33.20 |
$150.50 |
|
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MA6204
Victoria Green
Composition: Cr Ca Si Zr (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.45 |
$9.90 |
$18.00 |
$81.50 |
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Blue
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MA6383
Cobalt Blue
Composition: Al Co (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.00 |
$9.85 |
$17.90 |
$32.50 |
$147.50 |
|
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MA6308
Delphinium Blue
Composition: Co Al Sn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$8.10 |
$14.70 |
$26.70 |
$121.00 |
|
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MA6300
Mazerine Blue
Composition: Co Si Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.00 |
$9.48 |
$17.20 |
$31.20 |
$141.50 |
|
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MA6313
Medium Blue
Composition: Co Zn Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$7.83 |
$14.20 |
$25.80 |
$117.00 |
|
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MA6376
Robin's Egg Blue
Composition: Zr V (Usage Notes: 3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$7.43 |
$13.50 |
$24.50 |
$111.00 |
|
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MA6339
Royal Blue
Composition: Co Al Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$7.83 |
$14.20 |
$25.80 |
$117.00 |
|
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MA6363
Sky Blue
Composition: Co Al Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.65 |
$10.25 |
$18.60 |
$84.50 |
|
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MA6305
Teal Blue
Composition: Al Co Cr Zn Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$6.93 |
$12.55 |
$22.80 |
$103.50 |
|
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MA6371
Dark Teal Blue
Composition: Cr Co Al (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$8.98 |
$16.30 |
$29.60 |
$134.50 |
|
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MA6306
Vivid Blue
Composition: Al Co Si Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$6.58 |
$11.95 |
$21.70 |
$98.50 |
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Purple
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MA6381
BlackBerry Wine
Composition: Cr Sn Co Si Fe Ni (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.45 |
$19.00 |
$34.50 |
$156.50 |
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MA6317
Lavender
Composition: Co Al Si Zn Cr Sn
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$9.30 |
$16.90 |
$30.70 |
$139.50 |
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MA6319
Lavender
Composition: Mn Al Co
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$3.00 |
$5.75 |
$10.45 |
$19.00 |
$86.00 |
|
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MA6385
Pansy Purple
Composition: Cr Sn Co Ca Si (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$4.25 |
$10.40 |
$18.90 |
$34.30 |
$155.50 |
|
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MA6304
Chrome-Tin Violet
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 1-3-5-9)
1oz |
1/4 lb |
1/2 lb |
1 lb |
5 lbs |
$6.00 |
$18.63 |
$33.85 |
$61.50 |
$279.50 |
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As Stains
You can use stains for brushwork designs over or under glazes, or use stains to show off texture and surface work on unglazed clay.
For Cone 10:
- Mix one part stain to one part feldspar (CH320 Custer Feldspar or CH322 Minspar 200).
For Cone 4-6:
- Mix one part stain to one part CH344 Nepheline Syenite.
For Cone 06:
- Mix one part stain to one part CH394 Ferro Frit 3110 or CH395 Ferro Frit 3124. You can also use CH324 Gerstley Borate with one part stain, instead of the Ferro frits. Adding small amounts of CMC Gum or Vee-Gum Cer add brushability and durability to the mix.
In Glazes
When making your own glazes, the liquid glaze should reach the consistency of whole milk. Add Mason Stains® be weight as a percentage of the dry ingredients in your glaze recipe.
Green, Blue or Black Stains:
- Use 0.5 to 3% by weight.
Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
- Use 5 to 10% by weight.
In Clay
Add Mason Stains by weight as a percentage of dry ingredients when mixing your own clay. When coloring moist clay, allow for 30% water, then add Mason Stains as a percentage of the dry ingredients' total weight. As an example; for 25 pounds total weight of clay, calculate the Mason stain's percentage from 17½ pounds of dry ingredients.
Green, Blue or Black Stains:
- Use 2 to 5% by weight.
Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
- Use 5 to 10% by weight.
As Engobes or Underglazes
Engobes and underglazes should reach the consistency of cream. Add Mason Stains by weight as a percentage of the total dry ingredient weight.
Green, Blue or Black Stains:
- Use 3 to 10% by weight.
Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
- Use 8 to 15% by weight.
Base Recipes
For Lowfire Work (cone 08-1):
| CH382 |
English Grolleg Kaolin |
25% |
| CH375 |
Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 |
25% |
| CH391 |
Ferro Frit 3134 |
15% |
| CH362 |
Talc California 325-mesh |
5% |
| CH355 |
Silica 200-mesh |
20% |
For Midrange Firing (cone 4-7):
| CH382 |
English Grolleg Kaolin |
25% |
| CH375 |
Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 |
25% |
| CH344 |
Nepheline Syenite |
15% |
| CH362 |
Talc California 325-mesh |
5% |
| CH355 |
Silica 200-mesh |
20% |
For Highfire Work (cone 8-10):
| CH406 |
Six-Tile Kaolin |
10% |
| CH382 |
English Grolleg Kaolin |
25% |
| CH375 |
Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 |
25% |
CH320
CH322 |
Custer Feldspar -- or --
Minspar 200 |
20% |
| CH355 |
Silica 200-mesh |
20% |
Common Questions about Using Mason Stains®
Q: Why do I not get good pinks or crimsons at Cone 06/2/5/10, etc.?
- A: Mason Stain's chrome-tin pink series, #6000 to #6006, are stable from Cone 06 (normal "low" temperature) to Cone 12 (normal "high" temperature). This type of pigment requires the correct glaze chemistry in all temperature ranges to maximize the "color value." High calcium content is most important, and zinc & magnesia must be low to zero. Boron should not be too high. A major complication is that these rules do not necessarily apply if you use "fast-firing" techniques. Second, these pigments need an oxidizing atmosphere throughout the firing cycle.
Q: When I use black stains to make gray shades they turn green/brown/blue, or pink.
Why are they not simply gray?
- A: Do not use black stains to make gray shades by using small amounts in the glaze. Black stains are made of combinations of cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, and manganese. If you use low percentages in a glaze to get gray, the resulting color is often that of the predominant oxide in that particular black pigment. Again, you should take care care to use the correct glaze chemistry to avoid combinations that create color problems. It is better to use Mason's dedicated gray pigments.
Q: Why does my green glaze turn brown or has brown edges?
- A: This is usually due to the presence of zinc. Remove any zinc from the formula, because it turns chromium brown in most situations. Additional calcium may help.
Q: Why does my glaze appear "milky"?
- A: Too much boron in the frit or glaze formula, under-firing, or the presence of opacifier in amounts greater than 2%.
Q: Why is my purple/lilac/violet glaze turning blue?
- A: Some of these pigments are made of chrome-tin pink and cobalt. (See Q. #1). Sufficient calcium is needed to support the "red" side of the mixture.
Q: How do I make a nice red-brown using your regular brown pigments?
- A: The base glaze should contain from 3-5% zinc. This supports the red side of the stain.
Q: My blue underglaze runs, creating a "fuzzy" appearance. How can I prevent this?
- A. Cobalt silicate is very soluble in the glaze, so it is better to use cobalt aluminate, or a combination of both. Too high a temperature can also cause this effect.
Q: Can I mix pigments to make my own color palette?
- Yes, in most instances, but some stains are not compatible with others. We always encourage you to experiment and test, first with small quantities, to achieve the results you want.
Q: Do your pigments contain lead compounds?
- A. No. Lead compounds are not used in Mason pigments.
Q: What are "encapsulated" pigments? Are they safe to use?
- A. Encapsulation is a special, patented, manufacturing process designed to incorporate certain metallic oxides into the crystals of zirconium oxide. They are also referred to as "inclusion" pigments. They are safe to use, and are now widely used in ceramic manufacture around the world. Obviously, as with all finely dispersed powders, care should be taken to keep operations as dust-free as possible.
Q: This was great! How can I get a copy of this information for future reference?
| A: Click this thumbnail to download a copy of Mason Stains® FAQs. |
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