Mayco EG-005 Black Engobe

Mayco EG-005 Black Engobe for Stoneware

Mayco Stoneware Engobe Black EG-005 creates an even, deep black and matte surface. At cone 6 in oxidation, the engobe fires to a matte black finish. The appearance remains largely unchanged when fired to cone 10 in reduction.

EG-005 is ideal for giving light, red or speckled clay bodies the appearance of black clay without changing the clay you are working with. The black engobe can be used on its own or combined with transparent, semi-transparent and decorative stoneware glazes.

• Colour: Black
• Finish: Matte
• Firing range: Cone 5–10, approximately 1186–1285 °C
• Suitable for wet clay, greenware and soft-fired bisque
• Application: 2–3 even coats
• Suitable for oxidation and reduction firing
• Ideal for sgraffito, majolica, marbling, silkscreening and wax resist
• Can be combined with transparent and decorative stoneware glazes

Application, glaze combinations and our tip

Stir the engobe thoroughly before use. Apply two to three even coats with a soft fan brush, allowing each coat to dry. The piece can then be fired with the matte engobe surface or covered with a suitable stoneware glaze.

How will a glaze affect the black colour?
A transparent glaze can intensify the black colour and create a glossy finish. Semi-transparent and reactive glazes can produce expressive colour variations and contrasts over the black base. Opaque glazes may partially or completely cover the engobe.

Is EG-005 suitable for tableware?
When used on food or drink surfaces, the engobe must be covered with a dinnerware-safe clear glaze or another suitable glaze that creates a sealed and chemically durable surface.

Our experience: EG-005 is a versatile base for modern, graphic and high-contrast ceramics. It works especially well for sgraffito on light clay bodies, producing clear lines and striking light-and-dark contrasts.

Our tip: A black base can noticeably change the colours of glazes applied over it. Always test the intended clay body, application thickness, glaze and firing temperature on a test tile before starting a larger project.