The easiest way to add color to bisque is with Duncan Concepts® glazes. Great for translucent or solid coverage, simple designs, or the detailed majolica technique. Duncan Concepts are a GLAZE and will fire glossy. 

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CN244
Really White
(Cone 06)

CN362
Ivory
(Cone 06)

CN012
Bright Straw
(Cone 06)

CN501
Neon Yellow
(Cone 06)

CN022
Bright Saffron
(Cone 06)

CN504
Neon Orange
(Cone 06)

CN052
Bright Tangerine
(Cone 06)

CN507
Neon Red
(Cone 06)

CN074
Really Red
(Cone 06)

CN081
Light Wine
(Cone 06)

CN343
Dark Pink
(Cone 06)

CN292
Bright Purple
(Cone 06)

CN293
Dark Purple
(Cone 06)

CN261
Light Grape
(Cone 06)

CN112
Bright Delft
(Cone 06)

CN113
Dark Delft
(Cone 06)

CN141
Light Aqua
(Cone 06)

CN142
Bright Aqua
(Cone 06)

CN502
Neon Blue
(Cone 06)

CN151
Light Blue Spruce
(Cone 06)

CN302
Bright Caribbean
(Cone 06)

CN181
Light Kiwi
(Cone 06)

CN505
Neon Green
(Cone 06)

CN182
Bright Kiwi
(Cone 06)

CN221
Light Blush
(Cone 06)

CN313
Dark Ginger
(Cone 06)

CN232
Bright Briarwood
(Cone 06)

CN201
Light Grey
(Cone 06)

CN202
Bright Grey
(Cone 06)

CN253
Dark Black
(Cone 06)

Duncan Concepts®

Whether you brush, sponge, spatter or stencil on, Duncan Concepts® are always rich and creamy and can be used in a combination with other glazes. Duncan Concepts® make the Ceramic Arts experience quick and easy!

Change in Classification 3/01/22: Since their introduction, Duncan has always called their Concepts brand an underglaze, which technically it is not due to being frit-based as opposed to clay-based. To our knowledge, Duncan promoted this brand – at least initially- with instructions to apply a clear glaze. However, with the acquisition of Duncan and distribution through Mayco distributors, new consumers are being introduced to this product, thinking it is an underglaze. This causes confusion and sometimes poor or unexpected results, such as having a gloss finish and adhering to kiln shelves. To clarify and educate new consumers, we recently updated the Concept label and our website, removing any reference to the term “underglaze” and begin positioning it as a glaze. The label change will be rolling. Concepts are similar to Mayco’s Stroke & Coat glazes, which do not require a clear, unless 3 flowing coats were not applied.

Glazes for Bisque

1-coat coverage is translucent; 2-coat coverage is semi-translucent or semi-opaque; 3-coat coverage is generally opaque. Can be used for overall coverage.  Duncan Concepts are a GLAZE and will fire glossy. 

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General Use

Apply glazes to shelf cone 04 bisque. Fire to shelf cone 06. For best results, allow to dry completely before glazing. Stilt and fire to shelf cone 06. Water cleanup.

Certified Non-ToxicDinnerware Safe

Duncan Concepts® glazes are Non-Toxic and dinnerware safe when used according to manufacturer’s directions. 

Helpful Hints

  • When three flowing coats are applied, most colors are opaque and have a gloss finish. However, some colors do not fire as shiny as others; therefore, Clear Glaze is recommended (Pure Brilliance brushing and dipping™, IN1001 Clear or CN 2000D Clear Dipping). Please note that Concepts® can be used with a variety of Duncan® products; however, considerable color and texture changes may occur due to the chemicals involved. A test piece is recommended prior to completing project.
  • The Concepts® numbering system (for most of the palette) is unique and useful when decorating:
    • Colors ending in a one are light in tone; Colors ending in a two are bright in tone; Colors ending in a three are dark in tone
  • Can be used directly on bisque, between some glazes, under some glazes, over some glazes, over fired Cover-Coat® Opaque Underglazes, in conjunction with E-Z Stroke™ Underglazes and may have overglazes applied to them after they are glaze fired.
  • Can be mixed with one another to achieve a wide variety of colors. (It is recommended to conduct tests when mixing colors together.)
  • General firing temperature is cone 06; however, Concepts® can be fired to cone 10. They may be applied to stoneware and porcelain clay bodies. When high-firing some colors, appearance may vary and change in color, value and tone. Click here to view our Mid-Range Performance index.
  • Concepts® must be stilted when they are applied to the bottom of a piece, whether clear glazed or not. Remember, they are frit-based; therefore, they could stick to the kiln shelf during firing.
  • Can be mixed and used with French Dimensions.
  • Generally when decorating, apply a darker color over a lighter color.

Usage Variations and FAQs

Tips for Opaque Coverage (solid without brushstrokes or light and dark areas) with Concepts®

  1. Before decorating your piece, wipe down with damp sponge to remove any dust and to condition piece for decorating.
  2. Apply three generous flowing coats with soft brush.
  3. Always use the largest possible brush for the area to be decorated.
  4. Apply each coat in the same direction.
  5. Allow drying time between coats; a second or third coat should not be applied until the previous coat loses its sheen.
  6. In most cases, Concepts do not need to be thinned. However, if the brush grabs or the paint ridges in application, then add a few drops of Thin ‘n Shade and mix with palette knife

Tips for Translucent or Semi-translucent Coverage (brushstrokes show) with Concepts®

  1. Apply one or two coats with a soft brush.
  2. Primarily used for design work.
  3. Colors may be blended one over another.
  4. Colors may need to be thinned slightly.

Tips for Washes or Antique Finishes with Concepts®

  1. Thin Concepts down to a milk-like consistency (about 4 parts water to 1 part color)
  2. Apply to bisque with a soft brush.
  3. Allow color to set (lose its sheen).
  4. Wipe back with a damp sponge.
  5. Rinse sponge as needed.
  6. For best results, apply washes to textured pieces.

Tips for Sponging with Concepts®

  1. Pick up Concepts on damp sponge, pounce color on ware.
  2. Add additional color(s).
  3. Work from light to dark.
  4. The more coats, the darker the finish.
  5. Sponge on three heavy coats to create an opaque, textured appearance. 
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