MAYCO JUNGLE GEMS – S2702 – NORTHERN LIGHTS (4OZ)
$7.50
These beautiful glazes transform in the kiln when small pieces of glass burst into color and intricate pattern during the firing process. Use alone for stunning effects, in glaze combination blending with Stroke & Coats®, Foundations® or Cobblestones or simply as an accent to your design.
General Use
Crystal glazes were designed to mature at cone 06/05. Apply to shelf cone 04 bisque. Shake the jar well and stir during the application process. Apply 3 coats with a fan brush, allow to dry between coats. Avoid placing crystals towards the bottom of ware to keep them from flowing onto the kiln shelf during firing. Crystal Glazes can be fired to higher temperatures. Review individual color label for cone 6 firing results. The crystals in the glaze will melt when fired, which may create a textured surface. As that surface may be difficult to properly clean if in contact with food, we recommend crystal glazes to be used on decorative ware. Jungle Gems ™ glazes are certified AP nontoxic, with the exception of CG-707 Woodland Fantasy and CG-713 Peacock Green which requires a caution label, CL, due to soluble copper and CG-973 Alligator due to barium. Please refer to label for specific information. For mid-range firing results, please Click here to view the Mid-Range firing guide PDF (via Mayco’s website).
Helpful Hints
- Left-over crystals? Just add a complimentary Foundations® glaze.
- May use a complimentary Foundations® as a base glaze in order to make your crystals go further.
- We recommend a soft fan brush, such as CB-604 #4 or CB-618 #8 Soft Fan, for glaze application.
- Stir frequently as crystals tend to settle in the jar due to their weight.
- Store upside down with the lid on securely to allow easy mixing and even dispersion of crystals.
- As crystals tend to flow at higher temperatures, we recommend limiting the number of crystals on bottom third of vertical piece to avoid glaze running onto kiln shelf.
- Re-distribution of crystals may be required during the final coat. Where you see the crystal is where you will see it bloom.
Application Recommendations
The following application recommendations are based upon the original product development intent and use for the product. Information on alternative application methods is listed in the section “Usage Variations and FAQ’s”.
- 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 or CB-618 #8 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.
- Crystalites™ and Jungle Gems™ were designed to fire to cone 06. Higher temperature firings will change the colors from cone 06 results and movement and flow WILL increase.
Usage Variations & FAQs
Q: What advice to do have 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 want 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 crystals in the pattern and apply as the above directions stated. Several rings of the crystals 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: 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 Jungle Gems™.
Safety Information
Recommended for Ornamental Use Only when applied to low fire earthenware clay bodies: All but three Jungle Gems™ glazes have been certified as Non-Toxic, suitable for use by artists of all ages when used according to manufacturer’s directions. The three glazes with a CL (health caution) label are CG-707 Woodland Fantasy, CG-713 Peacock Green and CG-973 Alligator and should not be used by children under the age of 12. Jungle Gems™ are not recommended for dinnerware produced from low fire earthenware clay bodies as these glazes can exhibit surface textures such as cracks and crevices. While the glazed surface may pass lead & cadmium leach tests, and therefore legally considered Food Safe, attempts to adequately clean the textured surface may cause the underlying porous ware to absorb water and fail. Jungle Gems™ glazes, when applied to stoneware clay bodies that reach vitrification, can be considered dinnerware safe if used according to manufacturer’s directions.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.