Mayco Stoneware Engobe Black EG-005 – matt black engobe, 473 ml

Mayco Stoneware Engobe Black EG-005 – matt black engobe for stoneware

Mayco Stoneware Engobe Black EG-005 is a matt, deep black engobe for stoneware. It gives light, red or speckled clay the look of a black clay body without changing the clay. You can use it neat or combine it with transparent, semi-transparent and effect stoneware glazes. Contents: 473 ml.

Fired at cone 6 (approx. 1222 °C, guide value per Orton chart) in an oxidation firing, the engobe fires to a matt black. In a reduction firing at cone 10 (approx. 1285 °C, guide value per Orton chart), the appearance stays largely unchanged. The firing range runs from cone 5 to 10 (about 1186–1285 °C); the two firings mentioned are examples from this range.

Application

Stir the engobe thoroughly before use. Apply it with a soft fan brush in two to three even coats and let each coat dry before applying the next. This gives an evenly black surface without brush marks. You can then fire the piece with the matt surface or cover it with a suitable stoneware glaze.

• For wet clay, greenware and softly fired bisque ware
• For sgraffito: scratch through the dried engobe down to the lighter clay
• Also for majolica, marbling, screen printing and wax resist

How does a glaze change the black?

A transparent glaze can intensify the black and create a glossy surface. Semi-transparent and reactive glazes form colour gradients and contrasts on the black background. Opaque glazes can partly or completely cover the engobe. Black undercoats noticeably change the colour of glazes applied over them. Test the clay body, thickness of application, glaze and firing temperature on a test piece before starting larger projects.

Is EG-005 suitable for tableware?

For tableware, according to Mayco: the engobe is only suitable under a transparent, tableware-safe clear glaze (Dinnerware Safe with Clear Glaze). Without a clear glaze it is not intended for this use. The product carries the AP seal (Approved Product) of the ACMI; according to ACMI it is exempt from hazard labelling.

Mayco Stoneware Engobe Black EG-005 product details

• Manufacturer: Mayco, Stoneware series
• Colour: Black (EG-005 Black Engobe)
• Finish: matt
• Contents: 473 ml
• Firing range: cone 5–10, about 1186–1285 °C
• Suitable for oxidation and reduction firing
• Surface: wet clay, greenware, softly fired bisque ware
• Application: 2–3 even coats
• Seal: ACMI AP (Approved Product)

You will also need: a soft fan brush for application; for tableware, also a transparent, tableware-safe clear glaze.

Without a transparent, tableware-safe clear glaze, the engobe is not suitable for eating and drinking vessels.