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Mason Stains® by Mason Color Works

 

Click here for:
How to Use Mason Stains®
Common Troubleshooting Questions about Mason Stains®

Click GlazeCal to go to the Glaze Calculator page

 

Mason Stains® by Mason Color Works is one of the leading stain manufacturers in the US, with a full palette of hundreds of colors fritted to ensure consistent results. Colors we don't stock are available by special order. (Order minimum weights may apply.) Mason Stains® can be added to glazes, slips and clay bodies in the same way as oxides and carbonates. Most Mason Stains® can be used at all firing temperatures; these stains were specifically formulated for oxidiizing atmospheres. They will remain reliable up to cone 10. Check the usage notes for each color for any conditions of use or firing limits that may apply.

Reference Notes Key to Composition
  1. Can be used as body stain in porcelain at cone 6 or cone 10.
  2. Maximum firing temp 2156°F (1180°C).
  3. Maximum firing temp 2390°F (1310°C).
  4. Maximum firing temp 1976°F (1080°C).
  5. DO NOT USE zinc in glaze with this stain.
  6. This stain may be used with or without zinc.
  7. Zinc is not necessary but gives better results in glaze.
  8. Best glaze results with NO zinc.
  9. Glaze must contain 6.7% to 8.4% calcium oxide.
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
NiO Nickel Oxide NiO
Pr Praseodymium Oxide Pr6O11
Sb Antimony Oxide Sb2O3
Si Silicon Dioxide SiO2
Sn Tin Dioxide SnO2
Ti Titanium Dioxide TiO2
V Vanadium V2O5
Zn Zinc Oxide ZnO
Zr Zirconium Dioxide ZrO2

* Zinc Oxide influences the color in a glaze more than any other element. Genreally, zinc-free glazes should not contain magnesium oxide. Some colors containing zinc are to be used in a zinc-free 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.

* Calcium oxide content (as calcium carbonate) should be 12 to 15% for best color development. Adding the molecular equivalent of calcium oxide with Wollastonite (a natural calcium silicate) often gives better uniformity, but factor in Wollastonite's higher silica content or the glaze will have a poor surface.

Click the images at left
to download Georgies'
"Mason Stains® Class
Handout"
and the "Price List"


Black, Grey & White

MA6650
Cobalt-Free Black
Composition: Cr Fe (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$6.25
$11.35
$20.60
$93.50
Qty:

MA6600
Best Black
Composition: Cr Fe Co Ni (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.25
$8.68
$15.75
$28.60
$130.00
Qty:

MA6612
Onyx Black
Composition: Co Cr Fe Ni (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$12.78
$23.20
$42.10
$191.00
Qty:

MA6500
Sage Gray
Composition: Co Cr Ni Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.25
$7.48
$13.55
$24.60
$111.50
Qty:

MA6700
Basic White
Composition: Zr Al Si (Usage Notes: 3-6-8)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$4.60
$8.35
$15.10
$68.50
Qty:



 

Brown

MA6109
Deep Brown
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.00
$6.13
$11.10
$20.10
$91.00
Qty:

MA6126
Hazelnut Brown
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.00
$5.95
$10.80
$19.60
$89.00
Qty:

MA6129
Golden Ambrosia
Composition: Al Cr Fe Zn (Usage Notes: 3-6-7)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.60
$10.15
$18.40
$83.50
Qty:



 

Red & Pink

MA6001
Alpine Rose
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.35
$18.80
$34.10
$155.00
Qty:

MA6003
Crimson
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.50
$19.05
$34.60
$157.00
Qty:

MA6006
Deep Crimson
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.60
$19.25
$35.00
$159.00
Qty:

MA6020
Manganese Pink
Composition: Mn Al (Usage Notes: 1-3)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.00
$5.60
$10.15
$18.40
$83.50
Qty:

MA6097
Red
Composition: Cd Se Si Zr (Usage Note

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$15.20
$27.60
$50.10
$227.50

s: 1-3-6)

Qty:

MA6025
Coral Red
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$11.90
$21.60
$39.20
$178.00
Qty:

MA6088
Dark Red
Composition: Cd Se Si Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$15.63
$28.40
$51.60
$234.50
Qty:

MA6026
Lobster Red
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.00
$18.15
$33.00
$150.00
Qty:



 

Orange

MA6028
Encapsulated Orange
Composition: Cd Si Zr Se (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$15.23
$27.65
$50.20
$228.00
Qty:

MA6030
Mango Orange
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$15.23
$27.65
$50.20
$228.00
Qty:

MA6027
Tangerine
Composition: Cd Se Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-5)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.00
$18.15
$33.00
$150.00
Qty:



 

Yellow

MA6450
Praseodymium Yellow
Composition: Pr Si Zr (Usage Notes: 3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$8.18
$14.85
$27.00
$122.50
Qty:

MA6479
Sunshine Yellow
Composition: Cd Si Zr Se (Usage Notes: 3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$14.28
$25.95
$47.10
$214.00
Qty:
Titanium Yellow

MA6485
Titanium Yellow
Composition: Cr Ti Sb (Usage Notes: 1a-3)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.90
$10.70
$19.40
$88.00
Qty:

MA6404
Vanadium Yellow
Composition: Sn V (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$15.10
$27.45
$49.90
$226.50
Qty:

MA6464
Zirconium Yellow
Composition: Zr V (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.23
$18.55
$33.70
$153.00
Qty:



 

Green

MA6280
Avocado Green
Composition: Al Co Cr Fe Si Ti V Zn Zr (Usage Notes: 3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$9.78
$17.75
$32.20
$146.00
Qty:

MA6242
Bermuda Green
Composition: Zr V Pr Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.00
$8.10
$14.70
$25.20
$121.00
Qty:

MA6201
Celadon Green
Composition: Cr Co Zn Al Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6-8)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.55
$10.05
$18.20
$82.50
Qty:

MA6236
Chartreuse Green
Composition: Si Ti V Zr (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$11.93
$21.65
$39.30
$178.50
Qty:

MA6209
Chrome Green
Composition: Cr Si (Usage Notes: 3-5)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$7.35
$13.35
$24.20
$110.00
Qty:

MA6219
French Green
Composition: Cr Co Zn Ca Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-5-8)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.90
$10.70
$19.40
$88.00
Qty:

MA6266
Peacock Green
Composition: Cr Co (Usage Notes: 1-3-6-8)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$12.25
$22.25
$40.40
$183.50
Qty:

MA6204
Victoria Green
Composition: Cr Ca Si Zr (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.45
$9.90
$18.00
$81.50
Qty:



 

Blue

MA6383
Cobalt Blue
Composition: Al Co (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$5.00
$12.65
$23.00
$41.80
$190.00
Qty:

MA6308
Delphinium Blue
Composition: Co Al Sn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$8.93
$16.20
$29.40
$133.50
Qty:

MA6300
Mazerine Blue
Composition: Co Si Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.50
$10.88
$19.75
$35.90
$163.00
Qty:

MA6313
Medium Blue
Composition: Co Zn Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.00
$9.68
$17.55
$31.90
$145.00
Qty:

MA6376
Robin's Egg Blue
Composition: Zr V (Usage Notes: 3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$6.78
$12.30
$22.30
$101.00
Qty:

MA6339
Royal Blue
Composition: Co Al Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$8.90
$16.15
$29.30
$133.00
Qty:

MA6363
Sky Blue
Composition: Co Al Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.63
$10.20
$18.50
$84.00
Qty:

MA6305
Teal Blue
Composition: Al Co Cr Zn Si (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$7.85
$14.25
$25.90
$117.50
Qty:

MA6371
Dark Teal Blue
Composition: Cr Co Al (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$11.00
$20.00
$36.30
$165.00
Qty:

MA6306
Vivid Blue
Composition: Al Co Si Zn (Usage Notes: 1-3-6)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$7.53
$13.65
$24.80
$112.50
Qty:



 

Purple

MA6381
BlackBerry Wine
Composition: Cr Sn Co Si Fe Ni (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.45
$19.00
$34.50
$156.50
Qty:

MA6319
Lavender
Composition: Mn Al Co

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$3.00
$5.88
$10.65
$19.30
$87.50
Qty:

MA6385
Pansy Purple
Composition: Cr Sn Co Ca Si (Usage Notes: 3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$4.25
$10.88
$19.75
$35.910
$163.00
Qty:

MA6304
Chrome-Tin Violet
Composition: Cr Sn (Usage Notes: 1-3-5-9)

1oz
1/4 lb
1/2 lb
1 lb
5 lbs
$6.00
$20.73
$37.65
$68.40
$310.50
Qty:



As Stains

You can use stains for brushwork designs over or under glazes, or use stains to show off texture and surface work on unglazed clay.

    For Cone 10:
  • Mix one part stain to one part feldspar (CH320 Custer Feldspar or CH322 Minspar 200).

  • For Cone 4-6:
  • Mix one part stain to one part CH344 Nepheline Syenite.

  • For Cone 06:
  • Mix one part stain to one part CH394 Ferro Frit 3110 or CH395 Ferro Frit 3124. You can also use CH324 Gerstley Borate with one part stain, instead of the Ferro frits. Adding small amounts of CMC Gum or Vee-Gum Cer add brushability and durability to the mix.

 

In Glazes

When making your own glazes, the liquid glaze should reach the consistency of whole milk. Add Mason Stains® be weight as a percentage of the dry ingredients in your glaze recipe.

    Green, Blue or Black Stains:
  • Use 0.5 to 3% by weight.

  • Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
  • Use 5 to 10% by weight.

 

In Clay

Add Mason Stains® by weight as a percentage of dry ingredients when mixing your own clay. When coloring moist clay, allow for 30% water, then add Mason Stains®; as a percentage of the dry ingredients' total weight. (As an example, for 25 pounds total weight of clay, calculate the Mason stain's® percentage from 17-1/2 pounds of dry ingredients.)

    Green, Blue or Black Stains:
  • Use 2 to 5% by weight.

  • Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
  • Use 5 to 10% by weight.

 

As Engobes or Underglazes

Engobes and underglazes should reach the consistency of cream. Add Mason Stains® by weight as a percentage of the total dry ingredient weight.

    Green, Blue or Black Stains:
  • Use 3 to 10% by weight.

  • Yellow, Pink or Purple Stains:
  • Use 8 to 15% by weight.

Base Recipes

For Lowfire Work (cone 08-1):

CH382 English Grolleg Kaolin 25%
CH375 Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 25%
CH391 Ferro Frit 3134 15%
CH362 Talc California 325-mesh 5%
CH355 Silica 200-mesh 20%

For Midrange Firing (cone 4-7):

CH382 English Grolleg Kaolin 25%
CH375 Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 25%
CH344 Nepheline Syenite 15%
CH362 Talc California 325-mesh 5%
CH355 Silica 200-mesh 20%

For Highfire Work (cone 8-10):

CH406 Six-Tile Kaolin 10%
CH382 English Grolleg Kaolin 25%
CH375 Ball Clay Kentucky OM4 25%

CH320
CH322

Custer Feldspar -- or --
Minspar 200
20%
CH355 Silica 200-mesh 20%



 

Common Questions about Using Mason Stains®

    Q: Why do I not get good pinks or crimsons at Cone 06/2/5/10, etc.?
  • A: Mason Stain's® chrome-tin pink series, #6000 to #6006, are stable from Cone 06 (normal "low" temperature) to Cone 12 (normal "high" temperature). This type of pigment requires the correct glaze chemistry in all temperature ranges to maximize the "color value." High calcium content is most important, and zinc & magnesia must be low to zero. Boron should not be too high. A major complication is that these rules do not necessarily apply if you use "fast-firing" techniques. Second, these pigments need an oxidizing atmosphere throughout the firing cycle.

  • Q: When I use black stains to make gray shades they turn green/brown/blue, or pink.
    Why are they not simply gray?
  • A: Do not use black stains to make gray shades by using small amounts in the glaze. Black stains are made of combinations of cobalt, iron, nickel, chromium, and manganese. If you use low percentages in a glaze to get gray, the resulting color is often that of the predominant oxide in that particular black pigment. Again, you should take care care to use the correct glaze chemistry to avoid combinations that create color problems. It is better to use Mason's dedicated gray pigments.

  • Q: Why does my green glaze turn brown or has brown edges?
  • A: This is usually due to the presence of zinc. Remove any zinc from the formula, because it turns chromium brown in most situations. Additional calcium may help.

  • Q: Why does my glaze appear "milky"?
  • A: Too much boron in the frit or glaze formula, under-firing, or the presence of opacifier in amounts greater than 2%.

  • Q: Why is my purple/lilac/violet glaze turning blue?
  • A: Some of these pigments are made of chrome-tin pink and cobalt. (See Q. #1). Sufficient calcium is needed to support the "red" side of the mixture.

  • Q: How do I make a nice red-brown using your regular brown pigments?
  • A: The base glaze should contain from 3-5% zinc. This supports the red side of the stain.

  • Q: My blue underglaze runs, creating a "fuzzy" appearance. How can I prevent this?
  • A. Cobalt silicate is very soluble in the glaze, so it is better to use cobalt aluminate, or a combination of both. Too high a temperature can also cause this effect.

  • Q: Can I mix pigments to make my own color palette?
  • Yes, in most instances, but some stains are not compatible with others. We always encourage you to experiment and test, first with small quantities, to achieve the results you want.

  • Q: Do your pigments contain lead compounds?
  • A. No. Lead compounds are not used in Mason pigments.

  • Q: What are "encapsulated" pigments? Are they safe to use?
  • A. Encapsulation is a special, patented, manufacturing process designed to incorporate certain metallic oxides into the crystals of zirconium oxide. They are also referred to as "inclusion" pigments. They are safe to use, and are now widely used in ceramic manufacture around the world. Obviously, as with all finely dispersed powders, care should be taken to keep operations as dust-free as possible.

  • Q: This was great! How can I get a copy of this information for future reference?
A: Click this thumbnail to download a copy of Mason Stains® FAQs.

All contents related to Georgies' products copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
Georgies Ceramic & Clay Co. • 756 NE Lombard • Portland OR 97211 • 503.283.1353
Georgies of Eugene • 1471 Railroad Blvd #9 • Eugene OR 97402 • 541.338.7654
Fax numbers: Portland 503.283.1387 • Eugene 541.338.7565
Portland Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00a-5:00p Pacific time • CLOSED Saturday & Sunday
Eugene Store Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00a-5:00p • Saturday 10:00a-4:00p Pacific time • CLOSED Sunday & Monday

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