Element Glazes
Rich & Elegant
Inspired by aspects of nature, Element and Elements Chunkies produce lush, organic, and earthy hues. This high performance art glaze gives the artist a wide variety of options in one product as application, firing temperature and shape will influence the outcome. Elements and Element Chunkies were designed to simulate the aesthetic, movement and interest of mid-range and high fire glazes in a cone 06 oxidation kiln firing.
General Use
Element and Element Chunkies are designed to mature at cone 06/05. Apply 2 to 3 coats to mature earthenware bisque and allow to dry between coats. As movement and flow are characteristics of these glazes, taper off toward the bottom of the ware to prevent glazes from running off the piece onto kiln shelves. The glazes are Non-Toxic but those labelled with a health caution are not recommended for use by children. Once fired to cone 06 all glazes are non toxic but not all will be suitable for use with food due to the uneven surface finishes created by the glaze. When applied heavily this means some glazes will craze, some will have pinholes, some will have runs- all these features mean that the item is not suitable for fooduse- see FAQ below.
Element and Elements Chunkies can be fired at higher temperatures but will change in appearance. We recommend testing prior to use.
The ever popular FN-215 Aztec Jade, FN-217 Evergreen Fir, FN-218 Green Sapphire, and FN-219 Lustre Green are now part of the Elements product family as their performance characteristics are similar.
Helpful Hints
* Uneven glaze application can affect the look of the glaze.
* Apply Stroke and Coat to the inside of a piece, to help prevent bisque cracking when applying heavy or mutliple Element Glazes to a piece.
* For glaze combination projects choose chunky bisqueware, thinner pieces are more vunerable to splitting due to varying thickness of glaze application.
* We recommend application in one direction.
* Allow ample room for air circulation in the kiln during the firing process as heat work and adequate oxygen can influence the glaze appearance.
* Many of the Elements produce interesting effects at cone 6 but will change colour.
* We recommend testing to determine colour, surface characteristics and movement prior to use.
Product Features
With Pottery Cascades
Pottery Cascade act as a flux, creating additional movement, which allows glazes to react and produce stunning results.
In Design
Use Elements to create design with layering and glaze combinations.
As Standalone
Use Elements or Elements Chunkies to create design with layering and glaze combinations. Vary the number of coats and ware used to achieve different results.
Application Recommendations
Shake for 5-6 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 could contaminate the jar's contents, especially if you are using other glazes. Apply 3 to 4 coats to your piece. Elements glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06 (999° C). When applying them over a large surface area we recommend a broad, soft brush. Moisten the brush with water first. Try to get the brush fully saturated (loaded) and apply each coat in the same direction. When the wet look has gone from the first coat, you may apply the next coat of glaze. Make sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended at shelf cone 06.
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An uneven glaze application, the piece’s shape and surface texture can affect the fired finish.
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Amount of detail on the ware can also affect the fired finish
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Allow the pieces ample room in the kiln for air circulation during firing. A heavily loaded kiln will affect the colour and the float within the colors, as will the firing at temperature cone 06 versus cone 05.
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Some Elements may produce pleasing effects when fired to cone 6; all will change colour.
Usage Variations & FAQs
Q: Can Elements be Mixed with Other Glazes?
A: Using Elements with Pottery Cascades creates beautiful effects. However, intermixing Elements with other glazes is unpredictable; make test samples first to see if the fired result is the desired effect.
Q: What are some basic tips for creating effects with Elements?
A: Apply to properly fired bisque. Use a soft fan or glaze brush, depending on the area and surface to be covered. Generally, three to four coats of glaze are recommended. However, applying four coats will produce a totally different look. For a different effect, brush on three coats and apply a final fourth coat using a silk or sea wool sponge. An uneven glaze application and the ware’s shape and surface (plain or embossed) will also affect the look of the glaze.
Q: Are Elements lustre compatible?
A: When Elements are re-fired to lower lustre temperatures (shelf cone 018-020), the original glaze colour changes. If this is not a desired effect you will not want to apply lustres over them. However, you may find the re-fired finishes to be desirable. Our advice is to experiment and make test samples using lustres with the specifc Element with which you are using.
Q: The label states that Elements are "Food Safe", yet you also include the statement "May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics"?
A: These glazes are manufactured in America and therfore are labelled according to the U.S. regulations. The 'Food Safety' determined by standards established by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are "leach tests"; the tests involve measuring the chemical composition of an acidic food before exposure to a glazed surface and the chemical composition after a several days. If the levels of glaze materials found in the food are below the established limits, the glaze can be marketed as "Food Safe". Glazes that create dimensional surfaces also create crevices, nooks and crazing that can trap food - even after washing. This can lead to bacterial growth and cause health issues. Mayco's policy is to discourage the use of textural glazes on ware that is intended for food usage even though the glaze has met all food safety criteria.
Q: What recommendations do you have for firing Elements to cone 6?
A: Many Elements create beautiful effects when used with stoneware in a cone 6 firing environment. Cone 6 color results can be found on the left hand side of the label giving a description of the fired results at cone 6. Care must be used in application as Elements will be quite fluid and move during the firing process. Keep away from bottom of ware by tapering toward the bottom of the piece or create a natural stop with another glaze. Many of the Elements produce interesting effects at cone 6 but will change colour. We recommend testing to determine colour, surface characteristics and movement prior to use. Testing should also be done to determine if this glaze fits the cone 6 clay body you are using.
Elements and Elements Chunkies product families contain glazes that have been designated either AP (non-toxic) or CL (Health Caution). Those products labeled CL should not be used by children. Please refer to the label for specific cautions and advisements.
ElementsTM AP Glazes
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ElementsTM CL Glazes
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ElementsTM Chunkies AP Glazes |
ElementsTM Chunkies CL Glazes |
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"Stir. Apply 3 coats to shelf cone 04 (1060° C) bisque using a soft fan brush. Fire to shelf cone 06 (999° C). NOTE: Firing temperature, length of fire and number of coats will produce colour and surface variations. Do not spray apply without proper personal protective equipment. Food Safe, Non Toxic and Non Hazardous when used according to manufacturer's directions. May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics."