What are Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes?

Crystal glazes are an exciting array of colored glazes that “explode” with jewels of color during the firing process. They consist of a base glaze with pebbles, granules, and specks of contrasting glazes. During the firing, the crystals spread out to produce a burst of color. The base glaze may be gloss or matte; the crystals may be the same type of glaze or a contrasting type. In any case, the mixture is designed to melt and smooth out in the firing. Crystal Glazes are a lead-bearing glaze and should not be confused with the non-toxic crystal glazes called Crystalites.

How do I apply Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes?
Three coats are required to produce the proper results. Jungle Gems that have a red glaze base should have four coats of the base glaze. Regardless of the base glaze, if enough of the glaze is not applied, the crystals will not melt into the surface. Do not mix the crystals that have settled on the bottom of the jar into the rest of the glaze. Apply the first two coats in the usual manner with a soft fan brush. Mix the crystals into the remainder of the glaze and apply the last coat with crystals; a fan brush is helpful when applying the last coat for even disbursement of the crystals.

What is the secret to applying Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes?
The trick is to evenly disperse the crystals over the desired surface. A bunch of crystals built up in one area will produce uneven runs of color. Jungle Gem Crystal Glazes have a tendency to run during the firing, so avoid placing larger crystals near the bottom of the piece; however, smaller crystals can be used near the bottom to keep the color uniform.

How are the Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes fired?
Properly fire to shelf 06. Many of Mayco's Jungle Gems will fire to higher temperatures with excellent results (check Mayco's High Fire Guide.) If firing to higher temperatures, allow a little extra room for the crystal's flow action.

Are planter pots the only thing I can glaze with Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes?
Your uses are limited only by your imagination. Jungle Gems can be used on figurines to simulate patterned fabrics. Crystals can also be used in patterns on animals to create stripes or spots. Glaze combinations used with other Art or Jungle Gem Crystal Glazes can be successful and dramatic. Two coats of each Jungle Gem Crystal Glazes give the best results when doing glaze combinations.

Are Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes used on food containers?
Jungle Gem Crystal Glazes can be used for a decorative finish only on the outside surface of food containers. When a certified "food safe" glaze is used on the inside of the food container, a Crystal Glaze may be safely used on the outside decorating surface. Do not use on the inside of food containers.

Should I be concerned about using Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes?
Mayco produces a health warning on all of their products concerning lead and cadmium release. Read the jar label and Mayco's safety literature before you start your glaze application for best results. Pay special attention to the safety precautions about handling glazes during application. Use good hygiene precautions, as washing your hands before and after you apply the glazes and refrain from eating while applying the glaze.

Can I use Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes in a pattern?
A plain vertical shape, glazed with the base glaze, looks great if crystals are placed in a heavy “necklace” around the top of the piece, resulting in a cascade of multi-colored crystals flowing down into a field of plain color.

Can I add leftover crystals to other glazes?
Yes. Leftover crystals can be added to jars of other leaded glazes. Many of the base glazes of the crystals are existing glaze colors. We recommend test firing to ensure that you get the results you want.

Are Jungle Gem™ Crystal Glazes overglaze compatible?
Unique effects and outstanding finishes are achieved by using various gold products or gold firing temperatures. Mayco recommends a test firing before applying overglazes to a major product since results vary. While a color may say "not overglaze compatible" this does not preclude the overglaze from being used. The effect may be attractive in its own right but not like what you imagined.

What is CG-712 Super Spill?
Mayco produces an exciting special effects glaze called Super Spill. This glaze is white flowing glaze with opaque white crystals in it. This glaze was design specifically for glaze combinations using any of Mayco's other leaded glaze lines. The glaze can be applied under, over or in between another glaze to produce different results. The look of marble can be created simply with the application of three coats of Super Spill by itself.

What is CG-730 Clear Enamelware?
Clear Enamelware is a clear based leaded glaze with a white crystal that does not flow in the firing. It is designed to be used over a fired underglaze to resemble spattered tin enamelware. The underglaze is applied to the greenware in the usual manner and fired. Two to three coats of Clear Enamelware is applied over the fired underglaze and the pieces re-fired to shelf cone 06. Suggestions for traditional enamelware are; UG-1 Kings Blue, UG-31 Chocolate, UG-21 Leaf Green, UG-73 Cobalt Black or UG-58 Harvest Gold.

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