Mixing Mayco Stroke And Coat Glazes: What You Need To Know

Mayco's Stroke & Coat is a versatile glaze that can be applied to wet clay, leather-hard clay, greenware, or bisque. It can be fired from cone 06 to cone 10 and is suitable for both oxidation and reduction firing. The product is marketed as goof-proof and forgiving, making it a good option for novice potters, children, and new practitioners. One of its standout features is its ability to smooth out and heal imperfections during the glaze application process. With over 70 vibrant colours available, potters can create intricate, detailed designs without worrying about colours blending together. Stroke & Coat glazes can also be blended to create new colours, offering endless possibilities for artists. While the product fires to a gloss finish and does not require a clear glaze, a clear glaze may be used to enhance the glossiness of the finish.

Mayco Stroke & Coat glaze application methods

Mayco Stroke & Coat is a versatile glaze that can be applied to wet clay, leather-hard clay, greenware, or stoneware bisque. It can be fired from cone 06 to cone 10 in oxidation or reduction. Here are some application methods and tips for using Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes:

• One coat will create a translucent finish, with subsequent coats adding opacity. It is suggested to apply 2-3 coats for full opacity and overall coverage. Allow the glaze to dry between coats.
• Stroke & Coat glazes will fire to a gloss finish without a clear glaze. However, if desired, a clear glaze can be added.
• For application on clay, it is recommended to leave an area unglazed, such as the back or bottom of the piece, to allow for out-gassing of water and organic materials during the firing process.
• Stroke & Coat glazes are certified non-toxic and food safe.
• Mayco Stroke & Coat can be applied using a brush, sponge, detailer bottle, mats, stamps, or silkscreens.
• Lighter colours can be used over darker colours and will remain bright and opaque without blending with the underlying colours.
• When used with other glazes, Stroke & Coat will not move or blend and can be applied side-by-side or layered.
• When applied to greenware or clay, it is recommended to leave a portion of the piece unglazed to avoid pin-holing or craters.
• Stroke & Coat glazes can be used for a variety of design techniques, including sgraffito, stamping, slip trailing, and the popular peacock technique.
• For crisp design work, layer Stroke & Coat over stable products such as stoneware gloss glazes, underglazes, or engobes.
• To create a marbleizing effect, thin the Stroke & Coat glaze and move the ware side to side, allowing the glazes to flow together.
• For a watercolour effect, dilute the glazes with water and layer for seamless blending.

Firing temperatures and kiln atmosphere

Mayco's Stroke & Coat® is a highly versatile glaze that can be applied to wet clay, earthenware bisque, or stoneware bisque and fired from cone 06 to cone 10, in oxidation or reduction. This wide range of firing temperatures and kiln atmospheres makes it an excellent choice for studios, classrooms, potters, and fine artists.

When fired at cone 06, Stroke & Coat glazes will have a glossy finish without the need for a clear glaze. However, if desired, a clear glaze can be added. For example, the Cotton Tail Stroke & Coat glaze from Mayco Colors is a heavily pigmented, viscous Stroke & Coat glaze that can be used for brush strokes or opaque coverage. It is recommended to apply two to three coats for full opacity and all-over coverage.

At cone 6, Stroke & Coat glazes can be fired with or without a clear glaze, depending on the desired effect. Some colours may change or become more translucent at higher temperatures, so it is recommended to test the glazes before use. Additionally, some colours, such as SC-13 Grapel and SC-33 Fruit of the Vine, which are formulated with chrome-tin pigments, may be sensitive to non-toxic clear glazes and may become milky. Therefore, light application of the clear glaze is recommended to avoid this issue.

At cone 10, Stroke & Coat glazes can be fired in oxidation or reduction. The colours will be more muted, and the glaze will have a gloss finish without the need for a clear glaze. It is important to note that the performance of Stroke & Coat glazes at cone 6 and cone 10 may vary depending on the specific colour, so it is essential to refer to the individual product labels for more information.

Intermixing Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes

Mayco Stroke & Coat is a highly versatile, forgiving, and tolerant glaze that can be applied to wet clay, leather-hard clay, greenware, earthenware bisque, or stoneware bisque. It can be fired from cone 06 to cone 10, in oxidation or reduction, and can be used decoratively in a multitude of ways.

Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes can be intermixed to create new colours. The Speckled Stroke & Coat features small specks of colour added to one of the base glazes, providing visual interest and texture without melting and flowing during the firing process. When intermixing Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes, it is important to note that the colours will not blend or move into one another, allowing for intricate and detailed designs. This makes it ideal for Majolica techniques, where the glaze will not move nor blend into the base glaze beneath it.

When intermixing Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes, it is recommended to apply multiple coats to achieve full opacity and dimensional effects. For light colours layered on top of darker colours, three to four coats are recommended. To create a raised line, layer four to six coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. A detailer bottle or slip trailer can also be used to create raised lines, with two to three layers applied and dried between applications.

Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes are compatible with all Mayco glazes and many competitive glazes. However, it is not recommended to design on top of fluid, moving glazes such as Crystalites and Elements, as the work may become distorted. It is always a good idea to test the compatibility of glazes before committing to a project.

Achieving a glossy finish

Mayco's Stroke & Coat® is a highly versatile glaze that can be applied to wet clay, earthenware bisque, or stoneware bisque and fired from cone 06 to cone 10. It is available in a wide range of colours, including SC-16 Cotton Tail, SC-37 Ivory Tower, SC-55 Yella Bout It, and many more. Stroke & Coat® glazes can be used to achieve a glossy finish without the need for a clear glaze, although one may be added if desired. Here are some tips for achieving a glossy finish:

• Apply one coat for a translucent finish or multiple coats for increased opacity. Two to three coats are recommended for full coverage.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
• For application on clay, leave an area unglazed, such as the back or bottom, to allow for out-gassing during the firing process.
• Most Stroke & Coat® colours will maintain their vibrancy at higher temperatures, especially reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues.
• Test Mayco colours before use, as their performance may change at cone 6.
• Stroke & Coat® glazes are certified AP non-toxic and food-safe.
• Some colours, such as SC-13 Grapel, SC-33 Fruit of the Vine, and SC-85 Orkid, may be sensitive to non-toxic clear glazes, so it is recommended to test before applying.
• SC-70 Pink-a-Dot is more translucent than other Stroke & Coat® glazes and may require more than three coats for full opacity.
• You can apply Stroke & Coat® glazes side-by-side or layer them with other glazes without losing the integrity of your design.
• Mayco colours can be applied with a brush, sponge, detailer bottle, mats, stamps, or silkscreens.

Using Mayco Stroke & Coat glaze on greenware

Mayco Stroke & Coat is a highly versatile and pigmented glaze that can be applied to greenware or bisque. It is suitable for use on earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain. This glaze can be applied to wet clay, leather-hard clay, or bisque ware and can be fired from cone 06 to cone 10 in oxidation or reduction. It is known for its "heavy-duty" performance and forgiving nature, making it a good option for novice potters or those new to the craft.

When applying Mayco Stroke & Coat to greenware, it is important to note that gases and moisture will escape from the clay during firing. Therefore, it is recommended to leave a portion of the piece unglazed, such as the back of a tile or the foot of a vessel. If the entire piece is glazed, the gloss finish may dull. To rectify this, a clear glaze can be applied, and the piece can be refired to regain a glossy finish. Testing is always recommended to ensure the desired results.

The firing temperature and kiln atmosphere will depend on the specific project and the desired finish. Mayco Stroke & Coat can be fired in a kiln with a reduction or oxidation atmosphere from cone 06 to cone 10. For lower temperatures, such as cone 04 or 03, a single firing is sufficient. For higher temperatures, such as cone 5-6 or 9-10, multiple firings may be necessary. It is important to note that some colors may fade or darken at higher temperatures, so testing is crucial.

When applying the glaze, it is recommended to use a broad-bristled brush for all-over coverage. One coat will produce a translucent finish, and subsequent coats will increase opacity. Typically, three coats are sufficient for complete opaque coverage. However, for light colors, such as pink, four coats may be necessary. It is important to let each coat dry before applying the next and to avoid force-drying, as it may cause cracks or crevices in the finish.

Mayco Stroke & Coat glazes can be blended to create new colors, and they are compatible with all Mayco glazes and many competitive glazes. They are known for their design integrity, allowing for intricate and detailed designs without colors blending together. Additionally, light colors will remain opaque when layered on top of darker colors.

Overall, Mayco Stroke & Coat is a versatile and user-friendly glaze suitable for a wide range of applications and firing temperatures. When using it on greenware, it is essential to follow the recommended application techniques and firing schedules to ensure the best results.

Frequently asked questions