Astro Gem® Textural Glazes

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Astro Gem® is non-moving textural glaze that contains two sizes of tiny crystals. When fired these crystals provide a quartz-like gleam projecting from the matte surface of the base glaze.

Product Features and Attributes

• Non-Toxic

Application Recommendations:

Shake for 5-6 seconds before use. Dispensing the glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) - helps prevent against contamination of the contents in the jar.

Apply a minimum of 3 smooth even coats to properly fired shelf cone 04 bisque using a soft brush, such as a CB-604 #4 Soft Fan Brush. Try to get the brush fully saturated (loaded) and apply each coat in the same direction (helps prevent streaks from appearing in the fired finish). Fire to shelf cone 06.

Note:

• Stir and shake well to disperse the crystals before applying. Apply three full coats, changing direction with each coat for better distribution of the crystals.
• Avoid heavy application in recessed areas of detailed pieces. Any puddles should be brushed out before the glaze dries.
• Apply to greenware or bisque. Greenware preferred.
• Apply using Oval Mop or Soft Fan.
• Apply three even coats, crossing each coat at 90 degrees.
• Can be intermixed for other shades.
• Do not apply inside of food containers.
• Fire to shelf cone 04.
• The firing range of these glazes is shelf cone 06, but they can be fired even higher to shelf cone 6. Refer to High Fire Guide. They become darker the higher they are fired. Should these glazes require touch up, re-fire to at least the original cone or higher to achieve uniform color.

USAGE VARIATIONS AND FAQ’S

Q: Your label states that Astro Gems™are "Food Safe", yet you also include the statement "May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics"?
A: Food Safety is determined by standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  ASTM method C-738 and C-927-80 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 and nooks that can trap food - even after washing.  This food can develop bacterial growth and cause health issues. Our 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 tips do you have for creating a Astro Gems Glaze area?
A: Masking Tape or AC-303 Liquid Mask can be used to block off Astro Gems Glaze area.

Q: Can other glazes be used with Astro Gems Glaze?
A: Stroke & Coat colors can be applied over the Astro Gems Glaze for design work.

Q: In what other ways can Astro Gems Glaze be used?
A: A sponge can be used to apply Astro Gems Glaze glaze thickly, which will create a textured finish after firing.

Applying these glazes to bisque require more drying time between coats.

• AS-510 White Opal Astro Gem can be tinted using Mayco One Strokes translucent underglazes or Mayco Underglazes.
• If crystals are applied to the bottom of a piece When applied to greenware or bisque, remember to stilt the piece. If you wipe off large crystals after application of each coat, the piece need not be stilted.
• Seal with AC-301 Repellent Sealer for a water-resistant surface. See the accessory chapter for application and usage of AC-301 Repellent Sealer.
• Decorating ideas are almost endless with Astro Gems. Over these unfired glazes you can decorate with One Strokes, Underglazes, White Foam, Clear Glaze, Stroke & Coat,and other Astro Gems. Products used over fired Astro Gems are Specialty Red Glazes and Non-Fired Softees Acrylic Stains. AC-302 Wax Resist and AC-303 Mask are natural to use when doing many techniques.
• Mother-of-Pearl can be applied over fired Astro Gems. Though it fires out of the porous background, the tiny crystals will have a high iridescent reflective sheen. There may be some background color change on certain Astro Gems.
• To use fired gold over Astro Gems, apply and fire clear glaze on the area where gold is desired.
• Astro Gems are non-toxic, but their porous surface makes them unsuitable for items intended for food and drink. However, they can be used on the outside of storage containers. Because porous surfaces are difficult to clean when soiled, the surface should be treated with AC-301 Repellent Sealer when the project is completed.
• Most of the colors are stable when fired to shelf cone 6. The surface becomes vitrified and the background develops a slight sheen. They can be applied to either porcelain or stoneware.