Mayco Astro Gem AS-512 Black Diamond effect glaze, 118 ml

Mayco Astro Gem AS-512 Black Diamond – black textured glaze with shiny crystals

Mayco Astro Gem AS-512 Black Diamond is an effect glaze for ceramics with a black, matt underglaze base. It contains small black crystals that stand out shiny after firing. This creates a contrast between the matt surface and glossy accents, which you can use for reliefs, sculptures and decorative pieces.

The glaze comes in a 118 ml (4 fl oz) bottle and belongs to Mayco's Astro Gem range. It is fired at cone 06 (approx. 998 °C, guide value per Orton chart) in an oxidising atmosphere. This falls within the firing range of many pottery kilns for earthenware.

Applying Black Diamond

The crystals settle in the bottle. Shake and stir the glaze thoroughly before each use so that the crystals are evenly distributed. In its project instructions, Mayco works with three coats and a soft fan brush.

• Apply the glaze to clean, dust-free bisque ware.
• Brush on 3 even coats and let each coat dry before applying the next.
• Brush each new coat at right angles to the previous one for a more even finish.
• Fire at cone 06 (approx. 998 °C, guide value per Orton chart) in an oxidising atmosphere.

What the glaze is suited to

Black Diamond is a textured glaze: the effect comes from the crystals rather than from a smooth, glossy layer. It adds clearly visible accents to reliefs, edges and sculptures. Make a test piece on the same clay before you glaze the actual piece, so you can see how densely the crystals appear with your application.

Mayco Astro Gem AS-512 Black Diamond product details

• Manufacturer: Mayco, Astro Gem series, art. no. AS-512
• Colour: Black Diamond, black with black crystals
• Contents: 118 ml (4 fl oz)
• Finish: matt base with shiny crystals
• Firing range: cone 06 (approx. 998 °C, guide value per Orton chart), oxidising
• Recommended application: 3 coats

You will also need: a soft brush (for example a soft fan brush), bisque-fired ceramics and a kiln.