Mason Stains

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 No.

 Description

 Composition

Reference*

Mason Stain 
Composition Key
AL Aluminum Oxide             Al₂O₃
B    Boric Acid                       B₂O₃
Ca  Calcium Carbonate          CaO
Co  Cobalt Oxide                   CoO
Cr  Chromium Oxide             Cr₂O₃
Fe   Iron Oxide                       Fe₂O₃
Mn Manganese Dioxide         MnO₂
Ni   Nickel Oxide                    NiO
Pb  Lead Oxide                       PbO
Sb  Antimony Oxide              Pr₆O₁₁
Si   Silicon dioxide                  SiO₂
Sn  Tin Oxide                         SnO₂
Ti   Titanium Oxide                TiO₂
V  Vanadium                           V₂O₅    
Zn  Zinc Oxide                        ZnO
Zr  Zirconium Dioxide            ZrO₂

*Reference Can be used as a clay body stain in porcelain at high temperatures. All of the brown colors can be used as "body stains" but will vary in shade considerably depending on the composition of the clay body and temperatures at which it is fired.
1a. Use only as body stain. Firing temperatures can only be a rough guide. Firing to 2200°F on a slow schedule may give a maturing point equivalent to firing to 2300°F on a fast schedule.  The cycle, atmosphere, and rate of cooling will affect the color.
2. Maximum firing limit 2156°F (1180°C)
3. Maximum firing limit 2300°F (1260°C)
4. Maximum firing limit 1976°F (1080°C)
Zinc oxide influences the color in a glaze more than any other element. Generally, zincless glazes should contain no magnesium oxide. Some colors containing zinc are to be used in a zincless glaze. The zinc in the color is in a combined form and will not harm the color, but free zinc oxide in the glaze can destroy the color.
5. Do not use zinc in glazes.
6. Use with or without zinc.
7. Zinc not necessary but gives better results.
8. Best with no zinc.
Calcium oxide content as calcium carbonate should be between 12-15% for best color development. Adding the oxide with wollastonite, a natural calcium silicate, often gives better uniformity. The increased silica from the wollastonite must be subtracted or the glaze will have a poor surface.
9. Glaze must contain 6.7% to 8.4% CaO (12-15% CaCO3).
10. Use as a clay body stain only

WARNING: WHILE MASON STAINS ARE SAFER THAN USING RAW OXIDES AS COLORANTS, THEY PRESENT HAZARDS IN THE RAW STATE AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO LEACHING IN THE FINISHED GLAZE, always test!

Extender Information

White Extenders are used to lighten all colors except pink (see pink extenders) and make them pastel. There are several white extenders. Some are better than others for certain stains.

6700 - A good extender for all colors except browns and pinks. The white extender lightens green and yellow well. It lightens cobalt blues, but produces a harsh color.

6768 - This extender was specifically formulated to lighten and soften the dark cobalt blue mason stains. It is not recommended for use as an extender with the other colors.

Both White Extenders work by themselves as White Stains.

Pink Extenders are used to lighten all the Chrome-Tin pink stains.

6067 - This extender was formulated to lighten all Chrome-Tin pink stains; specifically the Alpine Rose Stain 6001.

6001 - This “Alpine Rose” stain acts as a good extender for all of the other Chrome-Tin pink stains that are darker than itself.

*Flux - Ferro Frit 3124 can be used as a flux to mix with the stains. 85 stain/15 flux is a good starting point for testing.