How to use Precious Metals

1. Be sure that the surface of your piece is free of dust, skin oils and lotions to ensure proper adhesion. Wipe surfaces with rubbing alcohol prior to applying the overglaze (except when used over crackle glazes).

2. Always apply with a brush that is designated solely for use with the Gold to prevent contamination.

3. Do not stir or shake glaze.

4. Place a small amount of overglaze on a glazed palette. Apply one smooth coat. Do not let the Gold pool in an area; brush it out smoothly.

5. Correct application should produce a Christmas green tint.

6. Clean brush in Essence and let dry.

7. Overglazed ware can be fired while it is still wet. The kiln must be clean, well-ventilated (do not overload) and follow a normal firing schedule. Do not touch wet decoration and handle as little as possible until ware is fired to avoid smudging.

8. Stilt and fire the Gold to shelf cone 019-018.

Tips & Techniques for Precious Metals

1. The appearance of Gold will vary with the type of glaze over which it is applied. When applied over a gloss glaze, Gold will be shiny. When applied over a matte glaze, Gold will be dull.

2. If Gold is accidentally applied on the wrong area, dip a cotton swab in Essence and wipe off misplaced color.

3. If any areas are missed, go back and touch up before Gold dries.

4. If using a metallic overglaze and Mother of Pearl on the same piece, apply and fire the metallic overglaze first.

5. For solid coverage with Gold, apply over a grey glaze or a grey underglaze covered by clear glaze.

How to use Mother-of-Pearl

1. Be sure that the surface of your piece is free of dust, skin oils and lotions to ensure proper adhesion. Wipe surfaces with rubbing alcohol prior to applying the overglaze (except when used over crackle glazes.).

2. Always apply with a brush that is designated solely for use with Mother of Pearl to prevent contamination.

3. Do not stir or shake glaze.

4. Place a small amount of overglaze on a glazed palette.

5. For a swirled look, swirl on 1 coat, overlapping strokes.

6. For a smooth look, brush on all strokes in the same direction.

7. Correct application should produce a light blue tint.

8. Clean brush in Essence and let dry.

9. Overglazed ware can be fired while it is still wet. The kiln must be clean, well-ventilated (do not overload) and follow a normal firing schedule. Do not touch wet decoration and handle as little as possible until ware is fired to avoid smudging.

10. Stilt and fire Mother of Pearl to shelf cone 020.

Tips & Techniques for Mother of Pearl

1. The appearance of Mother of Pearl will vary with the type of glaze over which it is applied. When applied over a gloss glaze, Mother of Pearl will add a shiny luster. When applied over a matte glaze, Mother of Pearl will add a dull luster.

2. If Mother of Pearl is accidentally applied on the wrong area, dip a cotton swab in Essence and wipe off misplaced color.

3. If any areas are missed, go back and touch up before Mother of Pearl dries.

4. If using a metallic overglaze and Mother of Pearl on the same piece, apply and fire the metallic overglaze first.

How to Use Essence

Swish overglaze brush in solvent until bristles are free of product. Wipe on paper towel.

Tips & Techniques for Essense

Use a separate bottle of Essence for each overglaze product. Mark the bottles according to which overglaze product was used. Contamination can result if brushes and/or Essence used with one product come in contact with brushes and/or Essence used with another. For example, if you use Bright Gold and clean your brush in one bottle of Essence, then clean a brush used with Mother of Pearl in that same bottle of Essence, contamination will result and compromise all subsequent firings.