Mayco’s Stoneware Crystal glazes are a unique line of glazes that contain colorful crystals in the glazes themselves that are designed to melt and bloom during the firing. These crystals add variation in color, finish, and movement to the glazes that you already know and love! All of our Stoneware Crystal glazes begin with a base glaze; most of the base glazes can be found in our other Stoneware Glaze lines. You can find the information about the base glazes of all our Stoneware Crystal glazes on the label, in the description on our website, or click here to download the Excel file.
Stoneware Crystals
Mayco Amaryllis
Cone 6 oxidation:Amaryllis is a glossy, transparent, coral glaze with crystals in varying sizes that bloom into shades of brown, yellow, and orange. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze fades to a transparent pink. Crystals soften. Glaze remains stable. TIP: -SW-205 Coral is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal affect, apply 1 coat of SW-192 Amaryllis over 2 coats of SW-205 Coral. This glaze is stable, even with heavy application.
$17.00
Mayco Aurora Green
Cone 6: Aurora Green produces a mottled aqua gloss glaze with light brown and large black crystals. As the crystals melt, bursts of blue and brown will develop. Cone 10: Color changes to a variegated pink/blue/green. Crystals become less pronounced. TIP: SW-108 Green Tea is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-108 Green Tea with a third coat of SW-146 Aurora Green. Due to the large sized crystals in Aurora Green they often reside in the bottom of the glaze; be sure to stir well or pour the glaze out onto a plate to make them more accessible.
$17.00
Mayco Blue Hydrangea
Cone 6: Blue Hydrangea is a blue floral inspired glaze that contains yellow and white crystals. As the crystals melt, large white blooms and smaller yellow blooms appear in the glaze. Cone 10: Color changes to blue. Crystals fade slightly. TIP: SW-207 Chambray is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-207 Chambray with a third coat of SW-170 Blue Hydrangea.
$17.00
Mayco Blue Splatterware
Cone 6: Blue Splatterware is a white, semi-matte glaze that contains a blue crystal. As the crystal melts it creates small blue blooms that cause the glaze to resemble the look of 19th century enamelware. Cone 10: Crystals become less defined. TIP: SW-141 White Matte is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-141 White Matte with a third coat of SW-152 Blue Splatterware.
$17.00
Mayco Celadon Bloom
Cone 6: Celadon Bloom is a turquoise semi-transparent gloss glaze that contains a white crystal. Cone 10: Color lightens. Crystals remain. TIP: SW-201 Turquoise is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-201 Turquoise with a third coat of SW-150 Celadon Bloom.
$17.00
Mayco Cenote
Cone 6: Cenote is a semi-opaque, sky blue gloss glaze that has a variety of brown crystals that melt during firing. Cone 10: Base color darkens. Crystals become darker and more defined. TIP: SW-166 Norse Blue is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-166 Norse Blue with a third coat of SW-189 Cenote.
$17.00
Mayco Desert Dusk
Cone 6: Desert Dusk is a warm amber matte glaze with crystals that melt into a glossy purple and blue. Heavier crystal application will produce more color variation. Cone 10: Glossy purple/blue is more prominent. Increased movement. TIP: SW-173 Amber Quartz is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-173 Amber Quartz with a third coat of SW-180 Desert Dusk.
$17.00
Mayco Enchanted Forest
Cone 6: Enchanted Forest is a dark charcoal gloss glaze that contains small yellow and medium-sized green crystals. As the crystals melt, a variety of yellow and green blooms appear. Cone 10: Base glaze turns dark blue, yellow crystals turn white and green crystals turn blue. TIP: SW-209 Charcoal is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-209 Charcoal with a third coat of SW-171 Enchanted Forest.
$17.00
Mayco Galaxy
Cone 6: Galaxy is a semi-transparent charcoal colored gloss glaze that contains a three-tone white, orange, and blue crystal. As the crystal melts, a brilliant bloom of white, orange, and blue appears. The glaze is reminiscent of a star being born. Cone 10: Crystals and base showcase more blue hues. Crystals melt. TIP: SW-209 Charcoal is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-209 Charcoal with a third coat of SW-156 Galaxy.
$17.00
Mayco Honeycomb
Cone 6: Honeycomb is a variegated brown matte glaze that contains a sandy-brown crystal. As the crystal melts it creates glossy blooms that can produce yellow mottling in the glaze, producing a textured fired finish. Cone 10: Color darkens.
$17.00
Mayco Indigo Rain
Cone 6: Indigo Rain is a matte white glaze that contains a two-toned purple and violet crystal. As the crystal melts, a purple crystal with violet specks appears. The glaze has a soft subtle beauty. Cone 10: Color darkens to variegated light gray/purple. Crystals melt. TIP: SW-106 Alabaster is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-106 Alabaster with a third coat of SW-153 Indigo Rain.
$17.00
Mayco Lime Shower
Cone 6: Lime Shower is formulated to produce a vibrant chartreuse gloss glaze with dark green and white crystals. Light coats will produce a semi-transparent finish in the base glaze with fewer crystals. Use three or more coats to produce an opaque green float with more saturation of crystals. At cone 5, this glaze will produce a matte sepia finish with little breaking over texture. Cone 10: Color becomes less vibrant. Crystals melt. TIP: SW-253 Green Opal is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-253 Green Opal with a third coat of SW-148 Lime Shower.
$17.00
Mayco Micro Ash
Cone 6 oxidation: Micro Ash is a glossy, translucent, variegated charcoal glaze with a periwinkle float that breaks over texture. Blooms of shimmering onyx micro-crystallization will develop during the firing process. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze darkens. TIP: This glaze is fluid at 3 coats. Recede application to avoid unwanted runoff. Due to the translucent nature of this product, be aware of your application consistency and thickness to avoid streaky brushstrokes. We recommend firing our micro glazes to cone 6 oxidation to reach crystalline development. Micro Ash achieves a stable, semi-opaque, warm charcoal result that breaks over texture and has a pearlescent satin finish when fired to cone 5. Can be used in oxidation or reduction firings. Results may vary. The choice of clay body, thickness of application, firing process, and temperature will greatly affect the fired results. Always test your application on your clay body in your kiln environment.
$15.25
Mayco Micro Cerulean
Cone 6 oxidation: Micro Cerulean is a glossy, translucent, medium blue glaze with an aqua float that breaks over texture. Blooms of shimmering blue micro-crystallization will develop during the firing process. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze turns to a variegated grey/blue. TIP: This glaze is stable at 3 coats. Additional coats or increased application thickness may result in movement. Due to the translucent nature of this product, be aware of your application consistency and thickness to avoid streaky brushstrokes. We recommend firing our micro glazes to cone 6 oxidation to reach crystalline development. Micro Cerulean achieves a stable, semi-opaque, deep blue result that breaks over texture and has a pearlescent satin finish when fired to cone 5. Can be used in oxidation or reduction firings. Results may vary. The choice of clay body, thickness of application, firing process, and temperature will greatly affect the fired results. Always test your application on your clay body in your kiln environment.
$15.25
Mayco Micro Champagne
Cone 6 oxidation: Micro Champagne is a glossy, translucent amber glaze with a mauve float that breaks over texture. Blooms of shimmering gold micro-crystallization will develop during the firing process. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze darkens. TIP: This glaze is fluid at 3 coats. Recede application to avoid unwanted runoff. Due to the translucent nature of this product, be aware of your application consistency and thickness to avoid streaky brushstrokes. We recommend firing our micro glazes to cone 6 oxidation to reach crystalline development. Micro Champagne achieves a stable, semi-opaque, golden-amber result that breaks over texture and has a pearlescent satin finish when fired to cone 5. Can be used in oxidation or reduction firings. Results may vary. The choice of clay body, thickness of application, firing process, and temperature will greatly affect the fired results. Always test your application on your clay body in your kiln environment.
$15.25
Mayco Micro Jade
Cone 6 oxidation: Micro Jade is a glossy, translucent, jade green glaze with a turquoise float that breaks over texture. Blooms of shimmering bronze micro-crystallization will develop during the firing process. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze turns to a variegated brown. TIP: This glaze is fluid at 3 coats. Recede application to avoid unwanted runoff. Due to the translucent nature of this product, be aware of your application consistency and thickness to avoid streaky brushstrokes. We recommend firing our micro glazes to cone 6 oxidation to reach crystalline development. Micro Jade achieves a stable, semi-opaque olive result that breaks over texture and has a pearlescent satin finish when fired to cone 5. Can be used in oxidation or reduction firings. Results may vary. The choice of clay body, thickness of application, firing process, and temperature will greatly affect the fired results. Always test your application on your clay body in your kiln environment.
$15.25
Mayco Micro Pearl
Cone 6 oxidation: Micro Pearl is a glossy, semi-opaque white glaze with lilac undertones that breaks over texture. Iridescent micro-crystallization in shades of lilac and pale yellow will develop during the firing process. Cone 10 reduction:Glaze darkens to blue, purple and white variegation. TIP: This glaze is stable at 3 coats. Additional coats or increased application thickness may result in movement. We recommend firing our micro glazes to cone 6 oxidation to reach crystalline development. Micro-Pearl achieves a stable, semi-opaque, frosted white result with a pearlescent satin finish when fired to cone 5. Can be used in oxidation or reduction firings. Results may vary. The choice of clay body, thickness of application, firing process, and temperature will greatly affect the fired results. Always test your application on your clay body in your kiln environment.
$15.25
Mayco Midnight Rain
Cone 6: Midnight Rain is a blue-green breaking gloss glaze that contains a black crystal. As the crystal melts and moves, a black oil-like streak is created in the glaze. Cone 10: Crystals melt and integrate into base glaze, darkening the color. Increased movement. TIP: SW-100 Blue Surf is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-100 Blue Surf with a third coat of SW-115 Midnight Rain.
$17.00
Mayco Moonscape
Cone 6: Moonscape is formulated to produce a medium gray to white variegation mottled with black crystals. Light coats will produce a matte gray finish with little white variegation and few crystals. Use three or more coats to produce more white variegation and crystals. At cone 5, this glaze will produce a matte sepia finish with little breaking over texture. Cone 10: Off-white variation darkens. Gray variation turns blue. Crystals melt. TIP: SW-137 Storm Gray is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-137 Storm Gray with a third coat of SW-147 Moonscape.
$17.00
Mayco Muddy Waters
Cone 6: Muddy Waters is a matte brown glaze with crystals that melt into a glossy blue. Heavier crystal application will produce more color variation. Cone 10: Glossy blue becomes more prominent. Increased movement. TIP: SW-174 Leather is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-174 Leather with a third coat of SW-179 Muddy Waters.
$15.25
Mayco Night Moth
Cone 6: Night Moth is an opaque gloss glaze with crystals that bloom into sage and gray. Cone 10: No change. TIP: SW-508 Black Gloss is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-508 Black Gloss with a third coat of SW-181 Night Moth.
$17.00
Mayco Olive Float
Cone 6: Olive Float is a dark green gloss glaze that contains a light green crystal. It is a dazzling glaze that mimics crystalline glazes without the fuss of complicated kiln programing! Cone 10: Color changes to red. Crystals remain. TIP: SW-210 Emerald is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-210 Emerald with a third coat of SW-151 Olive Float.
$17.00
Mayco Passion Flower
Cone 6 oxidation:Passionflower Purple is a glossy, opaque, deep purple glaze with opaque crystals in varying sizes that bloom into shades of blue, green, and yellow. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze shifts to a semi-opaque variegated blue that breaks over texture. Crystals soften and lighten. Glaze remains stable. TIP: SW-134 Eggplant is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, apply 1 coat of SW-190 Passionflower Purple over 2 coats of SW-134 Eggplant. This glaze is stable, even with heavy application.
$17.00
Mayco Peppered Plum
Cone 6 oxidation:Peppered Plum is a glossy, opaque, burgundy glaze that breaks over texture and develops a warm taupe float; small opaque black crystals are featured with large semi-transparent burgundy crystals. Cone 10 reduction: Glaze darkens, and crystals soften. Large crystal shifts to opaque red. Light application recommended. TIP: SW-113 Speckled Plum is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, apply 1 coat of SW-191 Peppered Plum over 2 coats of SW-113 Speckled Plum. This glaze is stable, even with heavy application. Light application will result in a more homogenous burgundy. Warm taupe float develops and intensifies with glaze thickness.
$17.00
Mayco Purple Aster
Cone 6: Purple Aster is a glossy, semi-opaque lavender glaze that breaks over texture and develops a pale violet frost; deep blue crystals melt into cascading blossoms of indigo. Cone 10: Color darkens slightly. No change to crystals. TIP: This glaze is fluid; Apply receding coats to avoid runoff on vertical pieces and practice caution in combination. Prone to pinholes when fired on manganese clay bodies.
$15.25
Mayco Robin's Egg
Cone 6: Robin’s Egg is a greenish-blue matte glaze that contains a sand-colored crystal. As the crystal melts, a small sandy-brown bloom will appear in the glaze, producing a mottled, textured finish. Cone 10: Semi-gloss finish with variegated blue/light blue and crystals. TIP: SW-105 Frost Blue is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-105 Frost Blue with a third coat of SW-116 Robin's Egg.
$17.00
Mayco Sandstone
Cone 6: Sandstone is a matte, off-white glaze that contains a variety of brown crystals that melt during the firing. Thicker application and heavy crystal concentration will produce more glossy blue/purple variation. Cone 10: Color darkens. Glossy blue/purples become more prominent. TIP: SW-172 Macadamia is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-172 Macadamia with a third coat of SW-176 Sandstone.
$17.00
Mayco Sea Salt
Cone 6: Sea Salt is a white matte glaze that contains a sandy-brown crystal. As the crystal melts, brownish-tan small blooms appear in the glaze, producing a foamy, textured fired finish. Cone 10: Base glaze turns pale lavender/gray. Crystals are mint green. TIP: SW-106 Alabaster is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-106 Alabaster with a third coat of SW-118 Sea Salt.
$17.00
Mayco Shipwreck
Cone 6: Shipwreck is an aquamarine gloss glaze that contains an iron crystal. As the crystal melts, a small iron speck appears. The glaze appears mysterious like underwater footage. Cone 10: Color darkens. TIP: SW-212 Peacock is the base glaze.For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-212 Peacock with a third coat of SW-54 Shipwreck.
$17.00
Mayco Speckled Toad
Cone 6: Speckled Toad is a shimmery green with dark grey specks that bloom when fired. Glaze breaks a semi-transparant olive green. Cone 10: Color changes to olive green/metallic gray that breaks blue.
$17.00
Mayco Winter Wood
Cone 6: Winter Wood is a matte white glaze that contains a variety of brown crystals that melt. Cone 10: Color changes to a translucent golden brown. TIP: SW-106 Alabaster is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, you may try applying two coats of SW-106 Alabaster with a third coat of SW-155 Winter Wood.
$17.00
Resources
Series Information: Mayco Stoneware Information & Brochure
Mayco’s Stoneware glaze assortment, including Classic, Matte, Crystal, and Gloss, offers a variety of finishes, textures and endless possibilities for glaze combinations. Available in both liquid and dry.
CLASSIC, MATTE, CRYSTAL, AND GLOSS
One of the most distinctive traits of Mayco’s Stoneware is that the glazes provide consistent performance and intriguing visual interest. They are best known for being receptive and favorable to the user during both application and firing. Mayco Stoneware glazes are friendly to the user in application, layering and firing. Many glazes will break over textures, revealing secondary colors and shades. The choice of clay body, thickness of glaze application, firing process and temperature will affect the fired results.
Click below to download a full color brochure of Mayco Stoneware
Usage Information Mayco Glaze Use
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Fundamentals
Shake well. Apply 2-3 coats to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque for use in design or solid coverage. Fundamentals® have a firing range from cone 06 to cone 10. If the form you are painting has texture, dab excess color out of the texture, and never allow the glaze to pool in the texture. To intensify color or for use on dinnerware, apply a clear or matte clear glaze. For use on clay or greenware, apply underglaze, allow to dry, and fire to cone 04. If desired, apply clear glaze and re-fire to cones 06-05 for earthenware and cone 5-10 for stoneware (998°C–1285°C). For use on bisque, apply to cone 04 bisque, apply clear glaze if desired and re-fire earthenware to cone 06/05 and cone 5-10 for stoneware. Generally, a clear glaze finish is applied to bring out the true color and vividness of the product. We recommend S-2101 Clear for low-fire and SW-001 Stoneware Clear Glaze unless noted SW-004 Zinc-Free Clear for mid-range.
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Stroke & Coat
One coat of Mayco Stroke & Coat® will create a translucent finish with subsequent coats adding opacity. We suggest 2-3 coats for full opacity and all over coverage. Let dry between coats. Stroke & Coat® glazes will fire to a gloss finish without clear glaze. However, if desired, a clear glaze (such as NT-CLR Clear One Dipping Glaze or S-2101 Crystal Clear Brushing) can be added. For application on wet or leatherhard clay and firing to cone 04, colors will retain their vibrancy with huge time savings. We recommend leaving an area unglazed, such as the back or bottom of the unfired piece, to allow for out-gassing of the clay during the single-firing process. Limit glazes to 2 coats including design work.
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Jungle Gems
Crystal glazes were designed to mature at cone 06/05. Shake the jar well and stir during the application process. Apply two to three even coats to shelf cone 04 bisque with a fan brush, allow to dry between coats. We recommend a soft fan brush, such as CB-604 #4 or CB-618 #8 Soft Fan, for glaze application. Stir frequently as crystals tend to settle in the jar due to their weight. Re-distribution of crystals may be required during the final coat. Where you see the crystal is where you will see it bloom. Avoid heavy application of crystals at the bottom of ware as the crystals bloom and can adhere to the kiln shelves or stilts. The crystals in the glaze will melt when fired, which may create a textured surface. Jungle Gems™ Crystal Glazes have a natural crazing that occurs when the crystals “bloom”. As that surface may be difficult to properly clean if in contact with food, we recommend crystal glazes to be used on decorative ware.
Jungle Gems™ Crystal Glazes have been formulated to mature at cone 06/05. However can be fired at higher temperatures. Their performance at cone 6 is noted on each individual product label. Crystals tend to flow at higher temperatures so take care on vertical pieces. We recommend testing on your clay body and in your kiln prior to use.
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Foundations
Shake for 5-6 seconds before use. Dispense glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) and apply with your brush or decorating accessory of choice (sponge, stamp, etc.). Foundations® glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06/05. Apply 2-3 coats, on cone 04 bisque, allowing surface to dry in-between coats. Foundations® dries quickly and speeds up your ability to handle or perform additional decorating. Glaze fires to high-gloss finishes (excludes mattes), therefore does not need to be clear glazed. When applying to a large surface, we recommend a broad, soft brush such as CB-604 #4 Soft Fan. Try to get the brush fully saturated (loaded) and apply each coat in the same direction to minimize brush marks.
Foundations® 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.
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Elements & Element Chunks
Shake for five to six seconds before use. Dispense glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) and apply with a soft brush or decorating accessory of choice (sponge, stamp, etc.). Dipping your brush directly into the jar may contaminate the jar’s contents, especially if you are using other glazes. Apply three to four coats to your piece. Elements™ glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06 (999° C or 1830º F). When applying them over a large surface area, we recommend a broad, soft fan brush.
Moisten the brush with water first. The brush fully saturated (loaded) and each coat applied in the same direction. When the wet look has gone from the first coat, you may apply the next coat of glaze. Be sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended (250°F per hour) at shelf cone 06. Elements™ can be fired at higher temperatures but will change in appearance. We recommend testing prior to use.
Jump to Sections: Fundamentals • Stroke & Coat • Foundations • Elements • Stoneware Glazes
Stoneware Series
Stoneware Classic & Matte Glazes: Stir well. Apply to soft-fired bisque (cone 04/06). Apply one, two or three coats depending on the result desired. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat. Fire from cone 5/6-10. See label for additional firing information for individual glazes and cone 10 performance.
Stoneware Gloss Glazes: Stoneware Gloss glazes can be used in design, all over coverage and are the ideal product for intermixability at mid-range temperatures. The integrity of your design will remain unchanged as these glazes are incredibly stable and will not move or combine with surrounding colors. See label for additional firing information for individual glazes and cone 10 performance.
Dry mix products: Always wear a NIOSH-approved respirator when handling dry glazes. Gently tumble unopened bag to redistribute material, Sieving is not necessary. Mix one 10Ib bag of Dry material into at least 10 pints of water. Stir thoroughly. Add additional water until desired Specific Gravity is reached. Specific Gravity preference will vary between studios, persons, and practice. Our recommended Specific Gravity is in the range of 1.47-1.51. This is for a 1 second dip time; you may want to mix to a lower Specific Gravity if you layer your glazes or tend to dip longer. Stir well before each use. We suggest using dipping tongs. Immerse the ware for 1-2 seconds. One dip of Mayco Dry is equivalent to 3 coats. Shake excess glaze off gently. Allow the glaze to dry before applying additional coats, if desired. When applying Stoneware Dry Crystal glazes, use a cup or ladle to pour the glaze over your piece. While the glaze is wet, you may use a fan brush to evenly distnbute the crystals; avoid heavy crystal loading on the bottom 1/3 of your piece. Fire to preferred temperature, cones 5-10 (2167°F-2345°F / 1186°C-1285°C). Testing recommended. The choice of clay body, the thickness of glaze application, the firing process, and temperature will affect the fired results.
Tip: Save your bag or log the lot number for if you have any questions for our technical team. Tip: Apply AC-302 Wax Resist to the bottom for easy dry foot clean-up.
Safety Information Mayco Safety Information
FOOD SAFE VS. DINNERWARE SAFE VS. NOT SUITABLE FOR DINNERWARE DUE TO SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues a series of Compliance Policy Guides (CPG) that explain policy on regulatory issues related to the FDA laws or regulations, primarily “Food Safe”. Specific to ceramic products and supplies:
- CPG Sec. 545.400 Pottery (Ceramics); Import and Domestic – Cadmium Contamination: delineates the acceptable test methods and levels of cadmium leach that is permissible
- CPG Sec. 545.450 Pottery (Ceramics); Import and Domestic – Lead Contamination: delineates the acceptable test methods and levels of lead leach that is permissible
- Please note: it is NOT illegal for a foodware item to contain traces of lead or cadmium as long as these substances test below the thresholds established in these guidelines.
“Food safe” seems to be one of the most confusing concepts for ceramic studios. It can be used differently among manufacturers, which lends to the confusion. There are some dissimilarities in how we ceramic manufacturers use definitions of food safe, dinnerware safe and other safety related information. Following is Mayco’s approach:
VIDEO
FOOD SAFE
“Food Safe” refers to the glaze in its final, fired state. “Food Safe” is a regulation and is defined by the Compliance Policy Guide, which is maintained by the FDA and only applies to lead and cadmium release. “Food Safe” refers to the glaze in its final, fired state. If a product has a food safe designation, we have conducted testing on the individual glaze (or similar in formulation), which has passed standards for food safety when used according manufacturer’s direction. Finishedware producers bear responsibility for food safe testing their ware being sold into commerce.
DINNERWARE SAFE
“Dinnerware Safe” indicates the fired glaze surface meets the FDA standards for food safe, the fired surface is free of surface texture that could potentially trap bacterial, and the fired surface is chemically durable. Please note, dinnerware safety is not defined by cutlery scratches. Finishedware producers bear responsibility for dinnerware safe testing their ware being sold into commerce.
NOT SUITABLE FOR DINNERWARE DUE TO SURFACE DURABILITY
“Not Suitable for Dinnerware due to Surface Durability” indicates the fired glaze surface may not be desirable to use a particular glaze for dinnerware even though it has passed the food safe testing process. Much of this is due to the fired glaze surface being impacted by contact with acidic food or liquids. Please note, dinnerware safety is not defined by cutlery scratches.
NOT SUITABLE FOR DINNERWARE DUE TO SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS
“Not Suitable for Dinnerware due to Surface Characteristics” indicates the fired glaze surface. It is a term we use to describe situations (cracks, crevices) where it may not be desirable to use a particular glaze for dinnerware even though it has passed the food safe testing process. Much of this falls under common sense or practicality. Please note, dinnerware safety is not defined by cutlery scratches.
EARTHENWARE AND OTHER POROUS BODIES
Certain glazes may not be recommended for dinnerware produced from low fire earthenware clay bodies. These glazes can exhibit surface textures such as cracks and crevices. While the glazed surface may pass lead & cadmium leach tests, and therefore technically considered Food Safe, attempts to adequately clean the textured surface may cause the underlying porous ware to absorb water and fail or crack.
STONEWARE AND PORCELAIN MID-RANGE AND HIGH FIRE BODIES
The same textured glazes that are not considered dinnerware safe for earthenware may be dinnerware safe if surface texture is eliminated when firing to higher temperatures. Ware with minor surface characteristics can be considered Dinnerware Safe provided the clay body is vitrified and the ware can be adequately cleaned.
DURABILITY OF FIRED GLAZE
Some glazes, regardless of surface texture or porosity of underlying clay body, will be designated as not suitable for dinnerware as the fired glaze surface is not durable and can be impacted by contact with some food or liquids. While it may not be harmful, it is certainly not desirable. An example would be Stoneware Texture glazes or Cobblestones.
SPECIALTY FIRINGS
Regardless of the glaze used, ware created in specialty firings such as Raku are not considered suitable for dinnerware as the clay body is porous.
NON-TOXIC AND LEAD FREE
These terms are featured on most of our liquid glaze labels. This statement lets you know that the product has passed toxicological examination and will not cause acute or chronic damage to the human body It has nothing to do with food safety, which is a standard applied to the fired ware.
ICONS
AP SEAL
The AP (Approved Product) Seal identifies art materials are certified in a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems as a wet glaze. Such products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, and the U. S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA).
CL SEAL
The CL (Cautionary Labeling) Seal identifies products that are certified to be properly labeled in a program of toxicological evaluation by a medical expert for any known health risks and with information on the safe and proper use of these materials as a wet glaze. CL products are NOT suitable for children 12 and under.
NON-TOXIC
Products bearing the Certified Non-Toxic seal have been reviewed by a toxicologist & deemed to have no health risk associated with the proper use of the product.
FOOD SAFE
Products bearing the Food Safe icon have been regulation and defined by the Compliance Policy Guide, maintained by the FDA. We have conducted testing on the individual glaze (or similar in formulation), which has passed standards for food safety when used according manufacturer’s direction.
DINNERWARE SAFE
Glazes identified with the Dinnerware Safe icon indicate the fired surface meets the FDA guidelines for food safe and is suitable for use on dinnerware.
NOT DINNERWARE SAFE
Glazes identified with this version of the Dinnerware Safe icon indicate the fired surface is NOT safe for use on dinnerware.
DINNERWARE SAFE WITH CLEAR GLAZE
Glazes identified with this version of the Dinnerware Safe icon indicate the fired surface is safe for use on dinnerware after a clear glaze or other dinnerware safe glaze is applied and fired.