Melt Gloop is a stoneware glaze designed for application in dots or creating a dripping effect down your ceramic piece using a syringe or squeeze bottle.
Ritual Glazes by Mayco enhance your pieces with out-of-this-world texture and pops of colour at mid-range to high-fire temperatures.
Application
Before application: Stir thoroughly using a stick, palette knife, or the end of your brush, as it will be very thick in the jar. For better adhesion, lightly dampen the bisque surface with a sponge before application. Effects are achieved by applying the glaze with a syringe or squeeze bottle. A ceramic glaze syringe with a cap or the Mayco AC220 Detailer Tips and Bottle is recommended for precision. When cutting the Detailer Tip, be careful not to cut too far down, as this can affect the control and flow of the glaze during application.
Basic Application: Apply dots in varying thickness and patterns to greenware or soft-fired, cone 04 stoneware bisque (1940°F/1060°C). For more movement and a dripping effect, apply larger dots on a vertical surface. The glaze can flow over textured areas. Continuously shake your applicator tool during use to eliminate air bubbles that can disrupt the flow of glaze and cause uneven texture or splatter. Allow the glaze to dry. It is recommended to fire your piece as soon as possible to prevent issues with glaze adhesion. Fire to preferred temperature; cone 5-10 (2167°F-2345°F/ 1186°C-1285°C). Sample tile was fired to cone 6 oxidation (1222°C/2232°F). Testing is recommended. Results may vary. When applied as a horizontal line, the fired glaze effect may separate or break, turning into vertical drips. Heavy application may cause the glaze to pop off.
Storage: Due to the thickness of Melt Gloop, it’s recommended to level out the glaze by gently tapping the product jar onto a table surface after application. This helps alleviate any peaks in the glaze that could lead to drying issues.
Product Usage
Dots in Design: To apply dots in a design pattern using Melt Gloop, begin by using a pea-sized amount to prevent the glaze from running or pooling during firing. Apply the dots with a syringe or applicator bottle, spacing them evenly to maintain a clean and intentional pattern. You can experiment with geometric arrangements like grids or spirals, or opt for organic designs such as vines or waves. For colour, you may use single shades for a bold, uniform look, or layer different colours to add depth and visual interest.
Colourful Drips: Melt Gloop can be applied in larger dots on vertical surfaces to create more dramatic movement and dripping effects using a syringe or applicator bottle. This technique enhances the glaze’s fluidity during firing, allowing it to flow downward. Be cautious of any glaze applied too low on your piece, as it may run off.
Layer Together: Melt Gloop can be layered and marbled with other Melt Gloop colours to create stunning visual effects. Allow the first layer to set slightly (looses its glossiness) before adding the next. This technique enhances both the texture and vibrancy of your finished piece. The more product you apply, the more the glaze will run.
Use with Underglazes and Engobes: Melt Gloop remains dimensional when applied over Underglazes and Stoneware Engobes, preserving its raised texture. For best results, it is recommended to bisque fire the Underglaze or Engobe to cone 04 before applying the Melt Gloop, as this helps with adhesion and ensures the glaze performs effectively during the final firing.
Layer with Stoneware Glazes: When used either under or over a glaze, such as Stoneware glazes, the texture may flatten during firing. Despite this change, the technique can still produce interesting and colourful effects, offering a smooth, layered appearance even without the dimensional quality.
Firing Range: Melt Gloop has a broad firing range from cone 5 to cone 10, (2167°F-2345°F /1186°C-1285°C) in both oxidation and reduction firings. Firing at higher temperatures may result in increased movement and texture. Because results can vary based on firing conditions and layering techniques, it’s recommended to test the glaze beforehand.
Helpful Hints
- Effects are achieved by applying glaze with a syringe or squeeze bottle on greenware or soft-fired, cone 04 stoneware bisque (1940°F/1060°C).
- For a more dynamic effect and a dripping appearance, apply larger dots on a vertical surface.
- The glaze can flow over textured areas.
- For better adhesion, dampen the bisque with a sponge before applying.
- Heavy application or over-handling may cause the glaze to pop off. Handle with care.
- Can be layered and marbled with other Melt Gloop colors.
- When using Melt Gloop over a Stoneware Engobe or Underglaze, it is recommended to bisque fire to cone 04 before applying Melt Gloop.
- Glaze remains dimensional over Underglazes and Stoneware Engobes; flattens under or over a glaze.
- It is recommended to fire your piece as soon as possible to prevent issues with glaze adhesion.
- When applied as a horizontal line, the fired glaze effect may separate or break, turning into vertical drips.
- When building layers, it is recommended to apply glaze on the shoulder or rim of the piece to help with adhesion.
- Heavy application may cause the glaze to pop off.
