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Astro Gem™ Glazes
What is an Astro Gem Textural Glaze?
Astro Gems are non-moving textural glazes that contain tiny crystals.
When fired these crystals provide jewel-like spots that compliment and
enhance the stone type or dead matte surface of the glaze. These unique
glazes can be applied to greenware or bisque. For the best results the
glazes are applied to greenware. Applying these glazes to bisque requires
more drying time between coats.
How do I use Astro Gem glazes?
Shake Astro Gem glazes thoroughly to disperse the crystals throughout
the glaze. Three full coats should be applied, changing direction with
each coat to assure better distribution of the crystal gems. Avoid flooding
the glaze in crevices and brush out any puddles before the glaze dries.
Allow to dry between coats. Astro Gem glazes can be applied to greenware
or bisque. When applying to bisque, allow to dry for a longer time. Fire
to cone 06-05.
Are there any exceptions when applying Astro Gem glazes?
The only unusual case is the application of AS-518 Amethyst because some
of the crystals may appear as white spots. We suggest you apply one full
coat of UG-10 Crimson Underglaze to the greenware and then three full
coats of AS-518 Amethyst. An alternate method would be to apply one full
coat of Amethyst. After the wet look has gone away, rub with fingers to
remove crystals and then apply three full coats of Amethyst.
Can I touch-up Astro Gem glazes after they are fired?
If a fired area of Astro Gem requires touch up, apply additional color
and re-fire to the original temperature; however, a cone hotter may be
necessary to achieve a uniform color.
Can I use Astro Gem glazes on high fire projects?
Yes. Many of the colors fire well at stoneware and porcelain temperatures.
The color of most Astro Gem glazes get darker the hotter they are fired.
Please see Mayco's High Fire Guide for reference.
Can I use other glazes with Astro Gem glazes?
Yes. Astro Gem glazes do not flow in the firing. Designs may be applied
on them with One Strokes, Underglazes, Stains, or other Astro Gem glazes.
Most decorating techniques involving glazes and underglazes can be done
over the unfired Astro Gem surfaces. Under Reds are an exception to this;
they should only be applied to fired Astro Gem surfaces, then re-fired.
May I apply Clear glaze to Astro Gem glazes?
Yes. Clear glazes over Astro Gem glazes make the Astro Gem appear several
values darker. This is an easy way to add depth to a piece to give the
appearance of coordinated color. The clear glaze may be applied over the
unfired or fired Astro Gem glaze.
Are Astro Gem glazes food safe?
Although Astro Gems are non-toxic and thus food safe when fired properly
according to FDA standards, they may not be practical for food containers
due to surface characteristics.
Can Astro Gem glazes be intermixed for additional colors?
Yes. Make your own colors by intermixing. Mix colors with AS-510 White
Opal for clean pastels and tints of color.
Is there any special way I should finish a piece done with Astro Gem?
Because porous ceramic surfaces are difficult to clean when they become
soiled, the fired Astro Gem glaze surface should be treated with Mayco's
Repellent Sealer, AC-301. Repellent Sealer is a transparent mineral spirit
based coating that, when dry, makes porous surfaces water repellent. Apply
Repellent Sealer only after the project is completed. If a piece has been
treated with RE-PEL, the coating can be removed only by firing to shelf
cone 06. Use Repellent Sealer in a well ventilated room and apply per
instructions on the bottle.
Can I use controlled glaze techniques with Astro Gem glazes?
Controlled glazing or inlaid decorating is best done by slightly overlapping
the Astro Gem with the decorating glaze. Overlapping assures you of no
bare spots.
Can I use Mayco Overglazes or decals with Astro Gems?
The porosity of Astro Gem glazes affects the normal fired finish of gold
and decals. To achieve the proper fired look, apply and fire two full
coats of Clear Glaze where the overglaze or decal is desired. Mother of
Pearl is a very effective finish over most of Astro Gem glazes. It makes
the fired crystals glisten like diamonds; however, there are some exceptions.
When dark colors like Lapis Blue, Sea-Blue Topaz and Black Diamond are
used, there may be a color change. The background may take on a frosted
look, then turn silver and the crystals will glisten.
