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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.
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.
Cone 6 oxidation (larger image): Green Tea is a variegated sage green glaze that breaks over texture and can produce a glossy blue finish.
Cone 10 reduction (smaller image): Color changes to a variegated pink/blue/green.
TIP: If the glaze comes out with more of a matte finish then re-fire to produce more variation in the glazed surface. Thinner application of this glaze will produce less crystals. Thicker application will produce more crystals. This glaze has a gloss finish. This glaze combos well with other Mayco glazes. If you like combos with Capri blue and oyster, try green tea because they are in the same family of glaze.
Cone 6: Gray Opal creates a transparent gloss finish. It deepens in color from one coat to three but surface decoration and design remain visible through theglaze even with three coats. The glaze will break and pool around surface textures, creating opportunities for the opalescent character to develop. Cone 10: Color lightens; becomes more transparent. TIP: Thinner application will provide a glossy transparent finish. Thicker application will provide blue white floating. Surface decoration will be visible under the glaze, but if you apply the glaze thick, it could blur your image.
Cone 6: Green Opal achieves a vibrant chartreuse gloss when fired. Lighter applications lead to a semi-opaque yellow-green; heavier applications see the formation of a green float. Cone 10: Color lightens; becomes more transparent. TIP: Darker clay bodies, such as buff and brown, display the phosphorescent qualities of Green Opal. On manganese bodies, Green Opal will interact with manganese bodies, creating interesting brown streaks. Thinner application will provide a glossy transparent finish. Thicker application will provide light green floating. Surface decoration will be visible under the glaze, but if you apply the glaze thick, it could blur your image. and pool into
Cone 6: Blue Opal is a medium blue semi-transparent to fully opaque gloss glaze. Thinner applications create a transparent blue haze; thicker coatings produce an opaque finish. Surface textures can cause the glaze to collect and produce streaks of greyish blue. Cone 10: Becomes more transparent. Can produce red mottling in a heavy reduction. TIP: Light applications on brown and buff bodies will produce a transparent green-blue gloss finish. Thinner application will provide a glossy transparent finish. Thicker application will provide light blue floating. Surface decoration will be visible under the glaze, but if you apply the glaze thick, it could blur your image.
Cone 6: Pink Opal produces a desert rose pink that ranges from semi-translucent to fully opaque, depending on application thickness. Thin applications yield a clear glaze with hints of pink precipitate; heavier applications will create an opaque purple-pink gloss finish that can also form a whitish cast in select areas. Cone 10: Pink fades out entirely, leaving a transparent gloss with white pooling. TIP: Vertical pieces best allow the glaze to flow and create a semi-transparent, rose veil. Body textures and features will still be visible through the glaze. Thinner application will provide a glossy transparent finish. Thicker application will provide light pink floating. Surface decoration will be visible under the glaze, but if you apply the glaze thick, it could blur your image.
Cone 6: White Opal forms a clear- to- milky white gloss surface. One coat produces the clearest finish; subsequent layering increases the incidence of a white precipitate forming. Prominent white to bluish-white colors will emerge where the glaze pools and gathers around surface texture. Cone 10: White variation lessens leaving a transparent gloss with white pooling. TIP: White coloration is more visible on darker clay bodies (Buff, Manganese Speck). Thinner application will provide a glossy transparent finish. Thicker application will provide white floating.
Cone 6: Emerald provides a translucent green gloss color. You will produce beautiful color variations with Emerald without the glaze running off your ware during firing. Designed to provide a hint of color with one coat, deeper color with two to three coats - but remaining translucent. Cone 10: Color changes to red in a heavy reduction. TIP: One coat allows more of the clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze, adding a faint color gloss to the surface. Subsequent coats deepen the green color but at three coats you will still obtain a translucent fired surface. Four+ coats will produce more opacity and less translucency.
Cone 6: Melon provides a translucent, light coral gloss color. You will produce beautiful color variations with Coral without the glaze running off your ware during firing. Designed to provide a hint of color with one coat, deeper color with two to three coats - but remaining translucent. Cone 10: Color lightens. TIP: One coat allows more of the clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze, adding a faint color gloss to the surface. Subsequent coats deepen the coral color but at three coats you will still obtain a translucent fired surface. Four+ coats will produce more opacity and less translucency.
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.
Cone 6: Antique Brass is a soft matte, metallic brass glaze that breaks charcoal. Cone 10: Brass finish becomes brighter and more metallic. Increased movement.
Cone 6: Raspberry Mist is a gloss, semi-opaque glaze that displays shades of dark and light pink. The variation of glaze depends on application. The thicker the application, the more homogenous the color will be. The glaze will break translucent and appear brighter with thinner application. Cone 10: Color darkens to a deep red. TIP: Over application of Raspberry Mist can cause pinholing. Brighter color and less variation at cone 5.
Cone 6: Lilac Matte is a semi-opaque matte lilac glaze. The glaze will break over surface textures: the more pronounced the surface texture, the more the glaze will pool around these textures. The glaze will create darker areas where it pools.
Cone 10: Changes to a translucent gloss. TIP: Lighter coatings will allow body characteristics to appear through the glaze (especially on dark and speckled clay bodies). Thicker application, three or more coats, will produce a more opaque finish.
Cone 6: Abalone is formulated to produce a breaking white and mauve semi-gloss glaze. Light applications will produce a more white semi-gloss finish. Use three+ coats to achieve semi-gloss Abalone finish. Clay body characteristics will be visible through this glaze. Cone 10: Color darkens to purple.
Cone 6: Black Matte is formulated to produce a smooth matte surface. Light coats will allow clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze (especially on dark and speckled clay bodies). Cone 10: Color darkens. TIP: A true matte finish at cone 5/6 with no movement. Thicker application, three or more coats, will produce a more opaque finish.
Cone 6: Storm Gray is designed to produce a medium gray to white variegation depending on application. One coat will produce a medium gray matte finish with little white variegation. Subsequent coats build a white variegation, muting the medium gray.
Cone 10: Off-white variation darkens. Gray variation turns blue. TIP: Thinned coats produce a medium gray satin finish. Thick applications will increase white variegation. Brush stroke application is visible in finished results. We recommend applying coats on bisque in different directions (crosshatch). Although finish appears opaque, surface decoration can be easily seen through glaze.
Cone 6: Eggplant is an opaque, gloss purple glaze. Three coats will create a solid purple finish. Thinner applications may result in the development of blue-gray coloring. Blue-gray colors may also develop where the glaze breaks over and around surface textures. Cone 10: Color changes to blue. TIP: A light blue can form on top of Eggplant where it pools; surface textures also encourage the glaze to break blue. It is beautiful used in combination with other glazes.
Cone 6: Copper Ore is a highly mobile, reddish brown metallic glaze. A dark bronze field breaks with areas of darker coloring and flashes of brighter red metallic. The movement within this glaze produces striking visual textures. Cone 10: Finish flattens. Color turns to red/brown. Increased movement. TIP: This glaze WILL move. Take care when using on vertical pieces – reduce glaze thickness towards the bottom third to minimize run-off.
Cone 6: Mirror Black creates a highly reflective, metallic black gloss finish. On some vertical surfaces and around surface textures, minor matte effects can be seen; all other applications result in the formation of a black, metallic mirror. Cone 10: Finish flattens. Color remains. Increased movement. TIP: This glaze WILL move. Take care when using on vertical pieces – reduce glaze thickness towards the bottom third to minimize run-off.
Cone 6: Purple Mint is a gloss glaze that produces greens and purples, reacting strongly to surface textures. On flat, smooth surfaces lighter coats will find greens breaking through a light layer of purple. As more coats are added purple will dominate the fired finish. On textured surfaces green will almost always appear on and around incised and raised areas. Cone 10: Color changes to a variegated blue. TIP: The thinner the application the more green the glaze will appear. The thicker the application the more purple the glaze will be.
Cone 6: Sapphire is a rich, deep cobalt blue glaze. It has a glossy, mirrored surface which can give colors from dark blue to bluish-purple, depending upon the thickness of application. Cone 10: No Change. TIP: If the application is too thin, the glaze will be streaky.
Cone 6 oxidation (first image): Light Magma is a sand-colored, high-texture glaze that creates a rough, cratered surface. The thicker the application, the more textured the surface will be.
Cone 10 reduction (second image): Texture slightly flattens. Color changes to a cream/gray.
Cone 6 oxidation (third image): Dark Magma is a charcoal-colored, high-texture glaze that creates a rough, cratered surface. The thicker the application, the more textured the surface will be.
Cone 10 reduction (fourth image): Texture slightly flattens. No change in color.
Cone 6 oxidation (First image): White Mudcrack is a high-texture glaze that forms a raised, cracked surface. The thicker the application, the more textured the surface will be.
Cone 10 reduction (Second image): Texture flattens, color remains white.
Cone 6 oxidation (third image): Black Mudcrack is a high-texture glaze that forms a raised, cracked surface. The thicker the application, the more textured the surface will be.
Cone 10 reduction (fourth image): Texture flattens, color remains black.
Cone 6: Blue Gloss is a highly-pigmented royal blue gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: No change.
Cone 6: Dark Green Gloss is a highly-pigmented emerald green gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: No change.
Cone 6: Black Gloss is a highly-pigmented true black gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures. Glaze turns to satin gloss at cone 5 and high gloss at cone 6.
Cone 10: Exhibits some blue hues.
Cone 6: Bright Green Gloss is a highly-pigmented chartreuse gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: Color lightens; changes to light blue in heavy reduction.
Cone 6: Bright Blue Gloss is a highly-pigmented sky blue gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Purple Gloss is a highly-pigmented glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures. Cone 10: Color changes to blue.
Cone 6: Red Gloss is a highly-pigmented scarlet red gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Orange Gloss is a highly-pigmented bright orange gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Yellow Gloss is a highly-pigmented cheerful yellow glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: Color lightens.
Cone 6: White Gloss is a highly-pigmented true white gloss glaze. The stable qualities of this glaze make it ideal for design work and full opaque coverage at mid-range temperatures.
Cone 10: No change.
Cone 6: Glacier Blue provides a translucent, light blue gloss color. You will produce beautiful color variations with Glacier Blue without the glaze running off your ware during firing. Designed to provide a hint of color with one coat, deeper color with two to three coats - but remaining translucent. Cone 10: Color lightens. TIP: One coat allows more of the clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze, adding a faint color gloss to the surface. Subsequent coats deepen the blue color but at three coats you will still obtain a translucent fired surface. Four+ coats will produce more opacity and less translucency.
Cone 6: Oxblood is a milky gloss and transparent glaze that pools red. Heavier application will produce more red. Cone 10: Gloss finish is enhanced and less milky. Red pooling is brighter. Tip: Must be applied thick for red variation to appear.
Cone 6: Fool's Gold is a gloss, semi-transparent glaze consisting of a rich brown base with tiny, gold metallic flecks. The variation of glaze depends on application. The thicker the application, the more homogenous the color will be. The glaze will break translucent and pool darker around surface textures. Cone 10: Color darkens and produces metallic mottling.
Cone 6: Rusted Iron is a semi-matte, opaque glaze that displays shades of metallic orange and brown. The variation of the glaze is dependent on application. Thicker application results in metallic matte characteristics. Thinner application results in a smoother surface and darker color.
Cone 10: Increased orange/copper mottling. Increased movement. TIP: This glaze WILL move. Take care when using on a vertical piece – reduce glaze thickness towards the bottom third to minimize run-off. Over application can cause pinholing or running.
Cone 6: Coral Sands is a semi-opaque gloss glaze that displays shades of orange, yellow, and pink. The variation of glaze depends on application. The thicker the application, the more homogenous the color will be. The glaze will break translucent where thinner and pool darker around surface textures. Cone 10: Color changes to pink/brown.
Cone 6: Lavender Mist is a semi-opaque gloss glaze that displays shades of lavender and brown. The variation of the glaze is dependent on application; Thicker application will result in a more opaque and homogenous color. Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Satin Patina is a rich tonal matte green patina glaze. The variation of the glaze is dependent on application. The thicker the application the more opaque and homogenous the color will be, and thinner application will allow more of the clay body to show through the glaze.
Cone 10: Finish flattens. Color lightens. Brown/orange undertones come through.
Cone 6: Tea Dust is formulated to produce a rust, semi-gloss glaze mottled with golden flecks. Lighter coats will produce a semi-transparent rust color with little to non-visible gold flecks. Use three plus coats to produce a more prominent mottled effect with the glaze breaking over texture.
Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Lava Rock is formulated to produce a dark brown satin glaze mottled with golden flecks. Lighter coats will produce a semi-opaque dark brown finish with little to non-visible tan flecks. Use three+ coats to produce a more prominent mottled effect with the glaze breaking over texture. Cone 10: Color darkens.
Cone 6: Gray Matte is formulated to produce a smooth matte surface. Light coats will allow clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze (especially on dark and speckled clay bodies).
Cone 10: Color changes to a blue/gray. TIP: A true matte finish at cone 5/6 with no movement. Thicker application, three or more coats, will produce a more opaque finish.
Cone 6: White Matte is formulated to produce a smooth matte surface. Light coats will allow clay body characteristics to appear through the glaze (especially on dark and speckled clay bodies).
Cone 10: No change. TIP: A true matte finish at cone 5/6 with no movement. Thicker application, three or more coats, will produce a more opaque finish.
Cone 6: Copper Jade fires to a gloss finish, producing colors that can range from brown-greens to creamy tan hues. Color breaks dark and can pool into red tones where thick. This glaze yields complex surfaces through movement and color variation. Cone 10: Color changes to a red/brown with some black/copper mottling. TIP: One coat will produce dark, greenish tones, thicker coats will add greens. Thickest applications will result in metallic red hues.
Cone 6: Maycoshino is a variegating iron glaze with subtle color changes. In a thin application, the user will achieve rich, iron browns. Applied thicker, the user will get lighter, creamy hues which are reminiscent of traditional Japanese shino glazes. This glaze is wonderful on any surface, any color clay body. Cone 10: Color darkens to a gray/brown. TIP: One coat produces a solid reddish brown opaque covering; Two coats produces a cream-tan-buff finish that breaks brown over surface texture; Three coats significantly introduces waves of cream-tan color over the reddish brown base.
Cone 6: Cinnabar is a rich maroon-red gloss glaze that tends to develop a hazy purple float with heavier application. Cone 10: Color darkens. TIP: One to two coats will produce an opaque maroon-red; three+ coats will produce higher levels of purple float. You’ll produce beautiful color variations with Cinnabar without the glaze running off your ware during a cone 6 oxidation firing.
Cone 6 oxidation (larger image): Speckled Plum produces a reddish brown gloss finish (one to two light coats) and evolves to deliver floating maroon-mauve tones with heavier applications (three to four coats). Heavier applications may also yield bands of reddish-mauve specks when used with certain clay bodies. While you’ll enjoy how Speckled Plum moves, the glaze will not run off your ware during a cone 6 oxidation firing.
Cone 10 reduction (smaller image): Color darkens.
TIP: Thinner applications will produce darker browns and reds; heavier applications will begin to show an opaque, maroon-mauve float.
For more glaze combinations visit https://www.maycocolors.com/product/sw-113-speckled-plum/
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Crystal
Glazes: Crystal glazes are designed to expand upon the surface with dazzling bursts of color.
Crystals will settle to the bottom of the jar and will need thorough mixing prior to initial use and in
between each coat. Apply two to three coats using a fan or hake brush. While the glaze is wet, use your
brush to redistribute crystals to achieve balanced coverage. Over application of the crystals can cause
pinholing or running. Avoid placing crystals near the bottom third of a vertical piece as they may cause
additional movement during firing. 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 Dinnerware 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
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.
