[{"id":261304287319,"handle":"fundamentals-underglaze","updated_at":"2026-06-14T06:12:24-05:00","published_at":"2021-07-18T22:20:50-05:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Fundamentals Underglaze","body_html":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMayco’s Underglazes have been reformulated to enhance performance characteristics for broader firing range, applicability to surface and versatility in design. Use them with translucent gloss glazes, crystals and stoneware glazes for beautiful glaze combinations. The color palette has been updated to include new brilliant reds and orange, along with fashionable contemporary colors.\u003c\/span\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2021-07-18T22:20:49-05:00","alt":null,"width":175,"height":175,"src":"\/\/rivercraftceramics.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/mayco_fundamentals_underglaze_logo_tile-175x175.jpg?v=1626664849"}},{"id":297301639255,"handle":"in-stock-ready-to-ship","updated_at":"2026-06-15T17:15:39-05:00","published_at":"2026-06-04T20:45:38-05:00","sort_order":"most-relevant","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"In Stock \u0026 Ready to Ship","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e✅ In Stock\u003cbr data-end=\"1183\" data-start=\"1180\"\u003e🚚 Ships in 1-3 Business Days \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping Notice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItems in this collection are guaranteed to ship within 3 business days. If your order contains products from both our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3-Day Guaranteed Shipping Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and items with a longer stated processing time (such as 2–4 week special-order items), your order will be held and shipped together once all items are ready.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you would like your in-stock items shipped separately, please place separate orders or contact us before placing your order.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2026-06-04T21:00:30-05:00","alt":null,"width":300,"height":240,"src":"\/\/rivercraftceramics.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Website_Label_-_1.png?v=1780629947"}},{"id":294945357911,"handle":"🎨-splash-into-savings-saturday","updated_at":"2026-06-15T06:12:09-05:00","published_at":"2026-03-20T20:09:54-05:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Paint Sale","body_html":"\u003cp data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e MUST ADD TO CART TO SEE DISCOUNT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2228\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2230\" data-end=\"2300\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2026-03-21T09:35:29-05:00","alt":null,"width":1024,"height":1024,"src":"\/\/rivercraftceramics.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Text-bd82e112-f4b9-4bc7-94a1-3120b2240679.png?v=1774103729"}},{"id":295752728663,"handle":"april-savings","updated_at":"2026-06-15T06:12:09-05:00","published_at":"2026-04-01T10:24:00-05:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Ready to Ship Sale!","body_html":""},{"id":281404407895,"handle":"black-friday-2024","updated_at":"2026-06-15T06:12:09-05:00","published_at":"2024-11-28T08:36:45-06:00","sort_order":"created-desc","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Super Summer Sale","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e~ Check Back Often to catch the Latest Deals~\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2024-11-28T08:36:44-06:00","alt":null,"width":1024,"height":1024,"src":"\/\/rivercraftceramics.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/mother.jpg?v=1778677392"}}]
Underglazes were the first product line Mayco produced in 1954 and continues to be a staple for many ceramic artists. Mayco Fundamentals® Underglazes are highly versatile – use for complete coverage or in design, apply to clay or bisque – with a broad firing range of cone 06 to cone 10. Fundamentals® Underglazes serve equally well for the student making their first pinch pot and the clay artist creating works for a gallery.
General Use
Shake well. Apply 2-3 coats to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque for use in design or solid coverage. Fundamentals® have a firing range from cone 06 to cone 10. If the form you are painting has texture, dab excess color out of the texture, and never allow the glaze to pool in the texture. To intensify color or for use on dinnerware, apply a clear or matte clear glaze. For use on clay or greenware, apply underglaze, allow to dry, and fire to cone 04. If desired, apply clear glaze and re-fire to cones 06-05 for earthenware and cone 5-10 for stoneware (998°C–1285°C). For use on bisque, apply to cone 04 bisque, apply clear glaze if desired and re-fire earthenware to cone 06/05 and cone 5-10 for stoneware. Generally, a clear glaze finish is applied to bring out the true color and vividness of the product. We recommend S-2101 Clear for low-fire and SW-001 Stoneware Clear Glaze unless noted SW-004 Zinc-Free Clear for mid-range.
Helpful Tips
Fundamentals® Underglazes have been formulated to mature at cone 06/05. However, most will maintain their color at higher temperatures. Their performance at cone 6 is noted on each individual product label. We recommend testing on your clay body and in your kiln prior to use.
Fundamentals® Underglazes can be used directly from the jar, but it is recommended to put onto a tile to avoid possible contamination of the remaining product in the jar. Make sure the consistency is like melted ice cream.
Apply to greenware, clay or bisque. Lightly dampening the ware with a moistened sponge before painting allows better adhesion to the ware.
Dip a dampened, blotted brush into the color. Fully load the brush without dragging the brush on the side of the tile. Apply the color in a flowing motion; if it starts to drag, reload the brush. The clay will absorb the moisture from the color, so care has to be used when applying.
As you flow the color on, avoid ridges and runs. Brush these flaws out as you apply the color. On an embossed piece do not allow excess color to build up. Dab the excess out of the crevices with the tip of the brush as you apply Fundamentals™ Underglazes.
Apply the first coat. When the dark wet look has disappeared, apply the second coat at a right angle to the first. The third is then applied at a right angle to the second coat. This will assure better coverage. Fundamentals® Underglazes can also be applied by sponging and spattering.
If cone 06 does not develop the color you want – go hotter. We recommend cone 03 – 04. Fundamentals® can take the extra heat work – push them to get the vibrancy you need.
Mix AC-310 Silkscreen Medium with any Fundamentals® Underglaze color to screenprint quickly and easily, creating fine details with your favorite Silkscreen from Mayco.
If applying to greenware or clay: paint design on the ware, fire to cone 04 and then apply a transparent glaze and fire to cone 06 (two firings). If done this way, Fundamentals® Underglazes color will be lighter. If applying to bisque allow the Fundamentals™ Underglazes to dry and apply clear glaze and fire to cone 05.
Opaque Fundamentals® Underglazes are not true color out of the jar. Firing is required to mature their color.