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Crystalite™ Glazes How To Use: Crystalite™ Glazes
Characteristics:

Crystalites™ are a group of crystal glazes that are a new generation in the formulation of non-toxic glazes. Crystalites are a non-toxic glaze combination in a jar. These unique magical potions of colors and rock-like crystals produce dramatic effects that flow and melt during the firing process. Their usage is almost endless in decorating possibilities and is limited only with your imagination.

Mayco’s original crystal glazes are a standard in the ceramic hobby market. The introduction of the Crystalites will set the new standard even higher for the industry. Truly, you will not believe that these are a non-toxic, non-moving glaze like those of the past.

Previous lead bearing crystal glazes flowed, allowing the crystals in the glaze to pattern or bloom, producing multi-colored beauty from one jar. Typically, a non-toxic formula creates a stiff glaze that does not allow the crystals to blossom or develop into colorful flowing arrays during the firing. This inhibits the vary nature of what you want to achieve in this type of glaze. Mayco’s lab has formulated this line of glazes to react like the old lead bearing glazes, but without all of the lead or safety concerns.

This new formulation is unlike any other non-toxic crystals on the market today. Mayco’s line of Crystalite crystal glazes are non-toxic and certified by ASTM. This means that there is no lead added in their formulation. Crystalites can be used safely by children in schools, institutions or anyone with health concerns.

Application:

Crystalites are applied using a Soft Fan Brush to shelf cone 04 bisque. The fan brush may help more in the even disbursement of the crystals, thus creating a more pleasing pattern to the glaze. Generally two coats of the glaze are applied from the jar after being shaken thoroughly; shake the jar before applying each coat.

With the application of the third coat of glaze, the crystals are stirred and shaken to suspend them into the glaze. Due to the nature of the non-toxic formula of the glaze, these crystals settle quicker and may need to be stirred more often while glazing. The brush should be swished down to the bottom of the jar to gather the crystals during the application of the third coat of glaze to insure a good coat of crystals are applied.

Remember, that the beauty of these glazes are the disbursement of the crystals to produce an even pattern to the finished piece. Large clusters of crystals can be dispersed or manipulated more easily with a soft fan brush during the third coat. A little attention during the application of the third coat of glaze will produce stunning effects. The flow of the glaze can be great even with these non-toxic glazes. For this reason, the glaze crystals should be tapered off towards the bottom of the piece. The excess of glaze crystals on the bottom of the piece can run, creating unsightly feet or lumps.

Interesting patterns may be obtained by placing several rings of crystals in a necklace-like placement around the piece. The glaze may need to be strained in order to separate the crystals for this procedure. The crystals are then applied using a brush or small spoon in a linear necklace-like ring around the piece. This can be several rings in sequential order or in a zigzag pattern to produce the most pleasing effect.

The firing temperature of the Crystalites is shelf cone 06, but can be fired up to shelf cone 6. There is no need to fire the glazes any hotter to make the crystals flow, bloom more or to pattern better.

  • All are non-toxic.
  • Can be used in glaze combinations amongst other non-toxic glazes or Crystalites.
  • Tips and Techniques:

    How do I apply Crystalites™?
    Apply to shelf cone 04 bisque using Mayco’s Soft Fan Brush. Apply two coats, shaking the jar before applying each coat. On the third coat, stir and shake the crystals into the glaze. Stir the crystals often during application. Dip the brush down to the bottom of the jar while glazing to pick up the crystals on the third coat. When applying the third coat evenly disperse the crystals over the surface of the ware as the way it looks now is how it will look after it is fired.

    How are Crystalites™ fired?
    The firing temperature of the Crystalites is shelf cone 06, but can be fired up to shelf cone 6 (check Mayco’s High Fire Guide). There is no need to fire the glazes any hotter to make the crystals flow, bloom more or to pattern better.

    Can I use Crystalites™ in a pattern?
    Yes. Simply apply the crystalites in the pattern and apply as the above directions stated. Several rings of the Crystalites placed in varied patterns are also attractive.

    Can Crystalites™ be used on food containers?
    Although Crystalites 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 I add leftover non-toxic crystals to other glazes?
    Yes. Leftover non-toxic crystals can be added to jars of non-toxic glazes.
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