Mayco Astro Gem AS-513 Golden Sand effect glaze, 118 ml

Mayco Astro Gem AS-513 Golden Sand – effect glaze with light brown crystals

Mayco Astro Gem AS-513 Golden Sand is a brush-on effect glaze for ceramics. At cone 06 in an oxidising firing, the base is a matt, off-white underglaze. Tiny light brown crystals sit within it and fire to a glossy finish. The result is a contrast of matt surface and glossy specks that a smooth glaze cannot give you.

The surface becomes textured, with small pits and cracks. This suits decorative pieces such as plant pots, bowls or figures where the texture is meant to show. The glaze comes in a 118 ml bottle.

Application and firing

Before use, stir the glaze for about 5–6 seconds and shake the bottle so that the crystals are evenly distributed. In one project, Mayco shows the glaze applied in 3 coats with a soft fan brush. Apply each coat at right angles to the previous one and let it dry in between: the coverage will be more even.

• Bisque-fire the piece beforehand; in the Mayco project it was bisque-fired to cone 04 (approx. 1063 °C, guide value per Orton chart)
• Glaze firing: cone 06 (approx. 998 °C, guide value per Orton chart), oxidising
• Do not spray; apply with a brush

Choosing from the range

Golden Sand gets its look from the contrast between the matt base and the glossy crystals. The texture is part of the effect, so for smooth, even surfaces choose a different glaze. A test piece on your own clay will show you in advance how coat thickness and firing affect the distribution of the crystals.

Mayco AS-513 Golden Sand product details

• Manufacturer: Mayco, Astro Gem series
• Colour: AS-513 Golden Sand
• Contents: 118 ml (4 fl. oz.)
• Base: matt, off-white, with light brown crystals
• Surface: textured, glossy crystals
• Firing range: cone 06 oxidising (approx. 998 °C, guide value per Orton chart)
• Application: brush, 3 coats

You will also need: soft fan brush (e.g. Mayco CB-604 Soft Fan No. 4), kiln, bisque-fired piece

Toxic to aquatic life (H401). Avoid release to the environment (P273). Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations (P501). Wash hands after handling. Store the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Safety glasses are recommended if there is contact with the eyes. According to the safety data sheet, the product is intended for general art and craft use by adults. Contains zinc pyrithione (up to 0.0091 %).