Mason Stains are the best way to add color to your ceramics. They are used to color glazes, underglazes, slip, and clay. These lead-free ceramic stains are fritted raw materials.
How do you add ceramic stain to glaze?
When introducing a ceramic stain into a glaze recipe, it is best to mix powdered stain with hot water, sieve through a 200 mesh screen, then add to the wet raw glaze batch. This aides dispersion and reduces speckling.
What are ceramic stains and how are they used in pottery?
Ceramic stains and how they are used in pottery. Stains can be used by themselves as an underglaze color, in slips, in clay bodies, in glazes, painted on glazes, and in overglazes. One of the biggest draws for using stains is to achieve a very consistent color, as sometimes using a coloring oxide can have a less predictable outcome.
How do you remove stains from a ceramic stain?
If an area gets too much stain, use a wet toothbrush to scrub the area and move some of the stain. Do not worry if some of the graphite mixes in with the stain. It will burn out. Ceramic stains can be used to mimic the look and effects of the most wonderful brush and ink paintings.
How do you stain unfired pottery?
The stain is mixed with underglaze medium and the colour then brushed onto the glazed but unfired pottery. Stains applied in this way will have a much softer edge than applied underneath the glazes as the stain will melt into the glaze during the glaze firing.
How do you use ceramic body stain?
You can mix the stain with water and paint the stain on to layers of plastic body then join and hand wedge them together. The more you wedge the better the colour blends through the plastic clay. Prior to painting the stain it would be best to run this mix through a sieve to minimize specking; 120 mesh is recommended.
How do you use Mason stain glaze?
Use to stain textured clay (glazed or unglazed) or for brushwork over or under glaze. Mix one part stain to 1 part Frit 3124 or 3110 or mix one part stain to 1 part Gerstley Borate (Adding small amounts of CMC Gum or Vee-Gum Cer add brushability and durability.)
What is Mason stain in ceramics?
Mason Stains are powdered pigments made of a combination of oxides and frits that create beautiful uniform rich colors. You can add mason stains to dry glaze recipes to produce color in an opaque or transparent base glaze.
How do you use a mason stain slip?
5:0010:28Preparing Plain and Colored Slip! Day 27 Quarantine Distraction VideoYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd as I'm mixing it I'm adding just a little bit more water at a time because of course the dryMoreAnd as I'm mixing it I'm adding just a little bit more water at a time because of course the dry powder of the Mason stain requires a little bit more water. And I want to get it to be a nice flowy.
Can you mix mason stains with water?
Similarly, Mason stains can be mixed into underglazes or engobes for decoration purposes too! You can also use stains mixed with water directly on bisqueware and then cover with a clear glaze.
How do you attach Mason stain to clay?
3:274:56How to Add Colors to Clay using Mason Stains | Ceramics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt.MoreIt.
Can I use stain as a glaze?
Theoretically, almost any stain could be used as a glaze. However, most glaze formulations are thicker than stain to allow more control and manipulation of the color and tend to have more intense coloration, since very little glaze will be left on the surface. As with stains, some are fast drying and some slow drying.
What is the difference between underglaze and stain?
The difference between an underglaze and a glaze or body stain is 10% of a product called underglaze flux is added to the underglaze. There is no difference between a glaze stain and a body stain, except some glaze stains will not colour a slip or clay body and produce the same colour that is produced in a glaze.
How high can you fire Mason stains?
Each Mason Stain is rated for low-fire, mid-fire and high-fire temperatures up to cone 10 except tin-antimony-lead yellows and pinks (Cone 02). You can expect full color from these ceramic stains when firing in oxidation over white and buff color clays.
How much Mason stain do I add?
Mix the Mason Stain Generally speaking, you'll want to use a ratio of one part stain to ten parts clay. This means if you are using 100 grams of clay, you will want to add at least ten grams of stain.
What are ceramic stains?
Ceramic stains are a mixture of ceramic oxides and coloring metal oxides that are melted in kilns, quenched, ground to specific mesh size (some are acid washed), and colored with organic dyes to simulate the fired color. Essentially they are fritted colorants.
How do you make colored slip with Mason stain?
4:5013:28How to Make Colored Slip Easy with No Lumps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd i'm going to mix in one ounce of cobalt blue mason stain two tablespoons equals one ounce makeMoreAnd i'm going to mix in one ounce of cobalt blue mason stain two tablespoons equals one ounce make sure you level off your spoon. And put your dust mask on until the powdered mason stain turns.
What are glaze stains?
Glazes are virtually the same as stains but they contain a lot more pigment with a lot less binder or no binder at all. Glaze actually sits on top of the paint, while a stain penetrates the unfinished wood.
Can you add Mason stain to clear glaze?
Kristen mixes up her own glazes, but you can achieve a similar effect by simply mixing mason stains into a clear glaze. A good rule of thumb is a single 1/4# bag of stain to a pint of glaze.
Can you mix glaze with stain?
For this piece i used Valspar (Lowes) translucent mixing glaze and walnut stain (you can use any color of stain, or even paint). I mix mine about 3:1, you really don't need too much stain – a little goes a long way. But, you can add as much stain/paint as you want – it just depends how you want the final result to be.
What is the difference between underglaze and stain?
The difference between an underglaze and a glaze or body stain is 10% of a product called underglaze flux is added to the underglaze. There is no difference between a glaze stain and a body stain, except some glaze stains will not colour a slip or clay body and produce the same colour that is produced in a glaze.
How to tell if a mason stain is zinc free?
GLAZE: Look at the numbers below each color on the Mason Stain page. The numbers 5, 6, 7 or 8 tell whether the stain likes zinc or not. Some glazes have zinc and other will say zinc-free. So match the stain to the glaze you are using.
What is a stain?
Stains are fired blends of metal and ceramic oxides that have been reground into a fine powder. Stains containing otherwise toxic oxides can be employed without significant dangers. This is the first aspect of something that stains have that coloring oxides don't: stability. A second aspect of stability is that stains produce much more consistent and repeatable color than using raw oxide colors.
Can you use a stains glaze on a high fire?
Stains are most popular at lower temperatures where colors tend to be brighter. However most stains can be used right up to high fire. Premixed low fire glazes are typically made by blending stains and commercial frits and other than following firing instructions, users of these products give little thought to the technical challenges that were overcome to produce them. This is a third key advantage of stains: the ability to target a specific color. Many ceramic color shades (i.e. reds) are difficult to achieve and beyond the abilities of end users.
Can stains be homogeneous?
Admittedly, stains can produce homogeneous color which can be less interesting than the variegated and speckled color effects that can be achieved with raw metal oxides like iron, cobalt, copper, etc. But for manufacturing, it cannot be ignored that stains are far more consistent and reliable to use.
Do stain companies exist?
Stains exist either in the context of the huge industrial ceramic industry or in the hobby, pottery, and ceramics markets. Large industries either have in-house technical people or contract consultants. Small users do not have this luxury. They should know that certain stain companies, (i.e. Mason) have developed excellent reputations for dealing with smaller volumes and providing support.
Can you color with Mason stains?
CLAY AND SLIP: You can also color with Mason Stains.
Can you paint over glaze?
Potters love to paint stains over and under glazes to decorate ware. Majolica ware is a good example. However, keep in mind that stains vary in their willingness to allow the underglaze to envelope the color particles. Some tend to crystallize the surface if used overglaze. Likewise, if stains are used underglaze they vary in their willingness to allow the overglaze to penetrate through to form and interface with the body. Stains don't suspend well in water to create a paintable material either so it is necessary to mix them with a compatible and paintable glaze medium for doing brushwork.
What is ceramic stains?
Ceramic Stains Mimic Brush and Ink Painting. Ceramic stains can be used to mimic the look and effects of the most wonderful brush and ink paintings . This, in fact, is the way in which the very famous blue-and-white Chinese porcelain pottery paintings and designs came into existence.
How to get bisque stains out of ceramic?
Try out using a very wet brush on dry bisque for a wet-on-dry effect. For a damp-on-damp fuzziness, dampen the bisqueware before applying the stain. Use more (distilled) water than for line work. Thin layers can be built up to increase the ceramic stain's density.
How to remove graphite from ceramic?
Tips for stain washes: 1 Use more (distilled) water than for line work. 2 Thin layers can be built up to increase the ceramic stain's density. 3 If an area gets too much stain, use a wet toothbrush to scrub the area and move some of the stain. 4 Do not worry if some of the graphite mixes in with the stain. It will burn out.
What kind of brush do you use to draw lines?
Brushes are an important determiner in what kind of line you will get. In the example, a small sable brush (# 1 round) is used to draw lines with. For medium lines, we suggest a #4 round; for thick, bold lines, try a #6 or #8 round. For thick-and-thin lines, try a flat brush instead.
How to erase bisque?
Don't be afraid to erase. Most bisqued surfaces allow you to erase fairly easily. Just either blow the eraser fragments off or if need be use a soft brush to very gently brush them away. Tilt your surface to avoid elongating the image while you draw.
Where to put the tip of a bisque brush?
Remember that you only want the tip of the brush to be on the surface of the paper or bisqueware. The upper area of the brush's hair is the reservoir for the stain (or ink) . Keep the plate tilted. Also, do not wet the plate before brushing on the stain.
Can you sinter a stain?
Sinter the stain: The stain is also partially fused to the clay after re-firing. This makes it less likely to smear during glaze application, as well as helping keep the stain from lifting up into the glaze during the melt. Such lift into the glaze can cause fuzziness in the design or, in some cases, the complete dispersal of the stain into the glaze during firing.
How much stains can be added to glaze?
Stains can be added to glazes up to about 10%. When stains are being added to glazes it is best to run the mix through a sieve prior to use, this minimizes specking of the glaze. The sieve size should be at least 120 mesh, but preferably 200 mesh. Body Stains. Some stains are more satisfactory body stains than others.
How much glaze to use for bisque?
If brushing medium is used and the stain is being applied to greenware and then is to be bisque fired, it is advisable to add 5 to 10% of a clear glaze (flux) maturing at the same temperature as the ware you will be firing. This will impart some fired strength to the final stain. If a flux is not added, the stain can tend to powder or rub off after bisque firing, risking smudging or finger marks on the ware. The addition of the flux can prevent this. This also aids adhesion of the stain to the body if applied to bisque ware and proper merging of the colour and glaze. A body slip can also be used as an addition to these stains to impart green strength, fired strength and binding to the body.
Can you stain white glaze?
Recommended Base Glazes. To a clear glaze, stain will give a bright vivid colour and to a white glaze it will give pastel shades. Stains can be added to glazes up to about 10%. When stains are being added to glazes it is best to run the mix through a sieve prior to use, this minimizes specking of the glaze.
Can you add stains to a glaze?
Stains can be added to any glaze to impart colour . The make up of the glaze can effect colour development and the notes on Potters Stains & Mason stains regarding glaze composition should be investigated prior to using the stain in any particular glaze. To give you an example, a lot of stoneware glazes containing zinc will leach out the colour ...
Can you add cobalt stain to plastic?
In some cases the addition of the stain will alter the glaze-to-body fit, this should be tested first. In other cases, for example with the cobalt stains, it can effect the fluxing temperature of the body. Again this should be sample tested first. Adding stains to a plastic body is slightly more difficult.
Is a stain more satisfactory than a body stain?
Body Stains. Some stains are more satisfactory body stains than others. Please refer to stain composition data prior to use. Varying the percentage of a stain added to a body or a slip will give varied strength of colour.
Can you put water stain on plastic?
Adding stains to a plastic body is slightly more difficult. You can mix the stain with water and paint the stain on to layers of plastic body then join and hand wedge them together. The more you wedge the better the colour blends through the plastic clay.
What are the advantages of ceramic stains?
This is a third key advantage of stains: the ability to target a specific color. Many ceramic color shades (i.e. reds) are difficult to achieve and beyond the abilities of end users. While many stains are 'standard' and their composition is well known across the industry, others are proprietary.
What is a stain?
Stains are fired blends of metal and ceramic oxides that have been reground into a fine powder. Stains containing otherwise toxic oxides can be employed without significant dangers. This is the first aspect of something that stains have that coloring oxides don't: stability.
What is the difference between green and blue stain?
On the left is a pure blue stain, on the right a green one. Obviously, the green is much more refractory. On the other hand, the green just sits on the surface as a dry, unmelted layer. For this type of work, stains need to be mixed into a glaze-like recipe of compatible chemistry (a medium) to create a good, paintable color. The blue is powerful, it would only need to comprise 5-10% of the recipe total. Its medium would need to have a stiffer melt (so the cobalt fluxes it to the desired degree of melt fluidity ). A higher percentage of the green stain is needed, perhaps double. It's medium needs much more melt fluidity since the stain is refractory. Of course, only repeated testing would get them just right. Guidelines of the stain manufacturer for chemistry compatibility need to be consulted also (as certain stains will not develop their color unless their glaze medium host has a compatible chemistry). And, to be as paintable as possible, use use a gum-solution/water mix (e.g. 2 parts water to one part gum solution).
Why is my pink stain not turning pink?
They will not develop color if zinc is present or if there is inadequate calcia. It is common to hear people say that their pink stain 'burned out', but generally the stain is being used in an incompatible glaze base. Another interesting demonstration of these factors is the color chart of a typical stain company.
Can you use a stains glaze on a high fire?
Stains are most popular at lower temperatures where colors tend to be brighter. However most stains can be used right up to high fire. Premixed low fire glazes are typically made by blending stains and commercial frits and other than following firing instructions, users of these products give little thought to the technical challenges that were overcome to produce them. This is a third key advantage of stains: the ability to target a specific color. Many ceramic color shades (i.e. reds) are difficult to achieve and beyond the abilities of end users.
Can you put stains in water?
Stains don't suspend well in water to create a paintable material either so it is necessary to mix them with something that will suspend the particles, slow down the drying and harden when dried. Stains exist either in the context of the huge industrial ceramic industry or in the hobby, pottery, and ceramics markets.
Can stains be homogeneous?
Admittedly, stains can produce homogeneous color which can be less interesting than the variegated and speckled color effects that can be achieved with raw metal oxides like iron, cobalt, copper, etc. But for manufacturing, it cannot be ignored that stains are far more consistent and reliable to use.
How to keep colored clay moist?
Keep the colored clay wrapped in a damp cloth and double bagged in plastic, or in sealed plastic containers. Check regularly to keep the clay moist. Always make sample discs of each color for reference. You cannot count on each batch turning out exactly the same. 1W : 1Color.
How much stain to use for 10%?
Say you want 10% stain, then that would be 10 grams of stain to 100 grams of wet or dry clay. I really don’t think it is crucial to use one or the other type of clay. As long as you make tests of your colors and keep records, you will be able to repeat the results no matter how you mix it. You can use the same %of stain to make colored slips.
What color stain should I use for mauve?
The dark colors require less stain than light colors. For blacks, dark blues and greens I use about 5-8% stain. For yellows, pinks, mauves I use between 12-20% stain. I prefer mixing a high concentration of stain because it is much easier to store 1 lb of concentrate vs. 12 lbs. of pastel shades.
What do potters use to make slips?
Some potters buy an old stand mixer and use it in the studio to mix a very thick slip. Stick to cake batter thickness.
Can you test clay body stains?
No matter which stains you choose, you should buy small samples and test them first with your clay body. There is no way of being 100% sure of results without taking time to test.
Can you buy pre colored clay?
You can purchase pre-colored clay but if you want to chose your own colors, it’s easy mix your own.
Is it too dark to use white clay?
If you like the color when it is wet, then it is too dark and you should add more white clay.
