Mayco Crystalites™
Crystalites™ are a group of crystal glazes that are a new generation in the formulation of non-toxic glazes.

Gorgeous crystal glazes in a non-toxic formula are ideally suited to schools and institutions.

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.

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.

Mayco Crystalites Glazes

S-2701 Peacock Eyes	S-2702 Northern Lights	S-2703 Berryberry Pie	S-2704 Plum Jelly	S-2705 Desert Mist
S-2706 Spiced Banana	S-2707 Lily Jade	S-2708 Oriental Carmel	S-2709 Cappuccino Mint	S-2711 Tahiti Grape
S-2712 Monsoon Seas	S-2713 Buttercup Blue	S-2714 Herb Garden	S-2715 Spotted Kiwi	S-2716 Celestial Blue
S-2718 Cosmic Black	S-2719 Cranberry Burst	S-2723 Grape Divine	S-2724 Lotus Blossom	S-2725 Safari
S-2726 Cheetah	S-2727 Poppy Fields	S-2728 Poinsettia	S-2729 Citrus Splash	S-2730 Red Halo
S-2731 Kaboom	S-2732 Sedona Sky

How To Use Crystalites Glazes

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.

Product Features and Attributes

Some qualities of Mayco's Crystal glazes include:

• Firing Temperature - can be fired from cone 06; cone 6 and cone 10 firings can yield interesting results.
• Free Flowing Formula - allows crystals to blossom or develop into colorful flowing arrays during the firing
• Body - can be applied to earthenware, stoneware or porcelain
• Non-Toxic

Application Recommendations:

Shake well prior to each application coat.  The reason  for this recommendation is that the crystals will settle to the bottom of the jar in a short period of time.  If you notice the crystals settling during an application you can either dip your brush to the bottom of the jar to re-dispense or attach the lid and shake vigorously.

During the application of the third coat of glaze you may find it necessary to re-distribute crystals, or add crystals, on your piece to assure balanced coverage. Use your brush to push crystals onto thinly covered areas or dip your brush into the jar and gather crystals onto it, then "pat" them on the sparsely covered areas.

We recommend a broad, soft brush, such as a CB-604 #4 Soft Fan Brush, to apply crystal glazes.  The fan brush may help more in the even disbursement of the crystals, thus creating a more pleasing pattern in the fired glaze.

Because of the flowing nature of the base glaze and the crystals we suggest tapering off the number of crystals applied to the bottom third of vertical piece.  Glaze and crystals could run off the piece or gather at the base and form unsightly lumps.  Similarly horizontal pieces, such as a plate, could cause the glaze to pool excessively if crystals are too heavily gathered on sloped section of the piece.

Crystalites™ and Jungle Gems™, were designed to fire to cone 06.  Higher temperture firings will change the colors from cone 06 results and movement and flow WILL increase.

Notes:

• An uneven glaze application, the piece’s shape and surface texture can affect the fired finish.
• Allow the pieces ample room in the kiln for air circulation during firing. A heavily loaded kiln will affect the color and the float within the colors.
• Some Elements™ may produce pleasing effects when fired to cone 6; all will change color

"Art in a Jar"

Crystalites and Jungle Gems used by themselves create canvasses bursting with color.

Used as a design element they bring vibrancy beyond opaque glazes.

The kids call them "Art in a Jar" - you may grow to appreciate what they can add to your glaze decorating.

Accents & Combinations

Crystal glazes create a beautiful contrast to opaque and specialty glazes, projecting physical and visual textures.

Enjoy the "happy accidents" where the glazes mingle and interact.

High Fire Potential

Mayco's crystal glazes can add excitement and interesting blending effects when fired to higher temperatures. Check Out cone 6 versatility

Q: What advice is there for firing Crystal glazes at higher temperatures?
A: Crystal glazes, already prone to move, will move that much more at higher temperatures.  The crystals will lose some of their definition and act more as a blending agent.  You'll wan to be careful about placing glaze too close to the bottom of your piece - in addition to stilting you may want to put a tile or a piece of scrap bisque beneath the piece to prevent glaze from running onto your kiln shelves.

Q: What are some of the ways I can use Crystal glazes in my design work?
A: 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. 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.

Q: The label states that Crystalites™ and Jungle Gems™are "Food Safe", yet the statement "May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics" is included ?
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. Mayco's 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: Can I mix leftover crystals into other glazes?
A: Yes. Foundations Sheers would be a good choice as these glazes will allow the crystals to expand much like the base glaze of Crystalites™ and Jungle Gems™.

Directory of Mayco glazes, underglazes and specialty products for your ceramic project.

	Underglaze	Glaze -Low Fire cone 05/06	Glaze -High Fire cone 5/6	Spcialty Products OverGlaze and Nonfired
Mayco	Stroke & Coats Speckled Stroke & Coats	Clear Glaze Crystalites Elements Element Chunkies Foundations Jungle Gems Pottery Cascades Classic Crackles Astro Gems Raku Glazes Specialty Products	Stoneware Glazes Stoneware Washes	Magic Metallics

 

GLAZES & UNDERGLAZES: Mayco Crystalites™ Glaze