introduction: what are mason stains, and how do mason stains transform the art of pottery?
mason stains are a type of ceramic stain composed of inorganic oxides and a carrier substance. specially formulated to endure the intense temperatures of kiln firing, they provide a consistent and vibrant color to clay bodies, glazes, and underglazes.
the origin of mason stains: a brief history
mason stains were first developed by mason color works, a company renowned for its innovations in ceramic colorants. founded in 1842, mason color works began with the mission to create vibrant, stable colors that could withstand the high temperatures of ceramic firing. their breakthrough led to the development of mason stains, a revolutionary product in the field of ceramics.
for a deeper dive into the world of mason stains, consult the reference guide provided by mason colorworks for a comprehensive chart detailing various stains, their compositions, and usage tips. this guide exemplifies mason color works' dedication to quality and consistency in ceramic art.
the allure of coloring clay
using mason stains in clay allows you to create unique, colored clay bodies. this technique is not just about surface decoration; it's about coloring the clay itself, offering a distinctive look that goes beyond glaze.
how to incorporate mason stains into clay
choosing your stain: start by selecting mason stains based on your desired color and compatibility with your clay body.
proportioning: typically, you'll want to add about 1-10% of the stain by weight to your dry clay. the exact amount depends on the intensity of color you're aiming for. this video does a great job explaining how to measure out your mason stains. if you're a full-time potter, especially if you're involved in or planning to start making your own glazes and have the budget, the ohaus triple beam balance is an excellent choice for a measuring scale. otherwise, a kitchen scale like this one will do just fine.
3. wedging & mixing: thoroughly wedge the mason stain into your dry clay. ensure even distribution to avoid streaking. an alternative would be to mix the stain into your wet reclaimed clay. there doesn't seem to be a time benefit for one process versus the other; however, adding the powdery stains to dry clay can dry it out even further and cause it to crumble, making it difficult to wedge. if you are trying to get a really saturated level of color in the clay, adding it to the wet clay may make more sense.
4. testing: before committing to a large batch, test a small amount. fire it to your usual temperature to see the true color outcome. this video provides a methodical guide on crafting clay test samples with different proportions of mason stains in a clay body.
tips for working with colored clay
safety first: always wear a proper mask to protect your respiratory health when handling dry stains and dry clay to prevent inhalation of fine particles. a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator is highly recommended as it filters out at least 95% of airborne particles, including fine clay dust. safety data sheets are provided on the mason color works website, hyperlinked in the righthand column for each color. if you have specific questions about the use of certain chemicals, allergy concerns, toxicological information beyond what is provided under section 11 of the safety data sheets, etc., please reach out to mason color works directly.
consistency is key: ensure that the stain is evenly mixed to avoid a marbled or streaked appearance unless that's your desired effect.
keep records: document your stain-to-clay ratios and firing results for consistent outcomes in future projects.
conclusion
colored clay can be used in various ways – from marbled pieces to intricate nerikomi patterns. incorporating mason stains into your clay is a fantastic way to add a personal touch and vibrant flair to your pottery. it's a simple yet effective method that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. so why not give it a try and see how mason stains can elevate your ceramic art?