M.A. Handpainted Posted September 15, 2022 Report Share Posted September 15, 2022 I have a huge assortment of plates, bowls, statues, ornaments, etc. boxed up for over 4 years now? I purchased this bisque many years ago from Bisque Imports. I also have tons of Mayco paint all boxed up. Is it bad? I appreciate any input. Thanks a lot! Martha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted September 15, 2022 Report Share Posted September 15, 2022 Bisqueware should be good indefinitely, as for the Mayco paints, they may be dried or caked, but should be able to be reconstituted with the aid of a bar blender, and some hard work. best, Pres Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted September 16, 2022 Report Share Posted September 16, 2022 1 hour ago, Pres said: Mayco paints Is there such a thing? I got curious and looked on their site but all I see are glazes--and I don't understand why (or under what circumstance) one would paint on bisque. Just curious...always want to know if I'm missing something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted September 16, 2022 Report Share Posted September 16, 2022 Just using the nomenclature of @M.A. Handpainted, but I do agree with you, they are probably glazes. best, Pres Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Longtin Posted September 16, 2022 Report Share Posted September 16, 2022 To answer both questions: M.A. Handpainted - Unless the bisque has been in a nice box and well wrapped I would suggest you wash it, and let it dry, before you paint it/glaze it. A fine dust can accumulate and spoil any surface decoration you apply. LeeU - Years ago I made molds for all kinds of folks wanting to make all kinds of things. A few of these folks were the "paint on bisque" crowd. Coming from a potters background it puzzled me at first but then I realized it made sense. If the piece isn't going to serve a functional purpose, and will be strictly decorative, why go through the bother of high fire. If bisque temp produces an item that will be permanent, without the higher temp firing costs, it makes sense to stay within the bisque range. Sure, a higher temp would make it more durable, but this was not a crowd that was looking for generational durability. They just wanted a decorative piece to put in their house. On the flip side, I did make a mold of a classic Belleek porcelain vase. It was the most delicate thing I've ever held and it had a crack. I reproduced it in modern porcelain and the customer was very pleased. Upon delivery she told me the vase had been in the family over 100 years. I met all types making molds and it was an eye opening experience. Callie Beller Diesel, Pres and Min 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callie Beller Diesel Posted September 17, 2022 Report Share Posted September 17, 2022 Regarding the bisque, I personally kept a handful of bisqued pieces for 15 years before firing them. Long story. Can confirm they needed a wash, but came out otherwise fine. I can’t remember the exact spot I came across this, but within the last few months I was going through old (1970’s) issues of Ceramics Monthly online, and found an ad for Mayco paints that were indeed just acrylics. They were intended for people doing the scratch and bake greenware, but weren’t firing a glaze. My MIL also had some from back in the day. If there’s no firing instructions on the labels, they’ll be trash if they’re dried out. Pres and Magnolia Mud Research 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celtic Posted September 18, 2022 Report Share Posted September 18, 2022 Hi there, I have Bisque wear & Mayco glazes from over 25yrs ago that I have reconstituted! I have been searching for a colour swatch with all the glazes & can’t seem to find one from that era!!!! Does anyone know of a link where I could find one? please can you help!!, regards lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted September 18, 2022 Report Share Posted September 18, 2022 Hi Lyn / Celtic and welcome to the forum. Might be an idea to drop Mayco an email and ask them. I'ld include glaze names and see if they can help you out. Their general email is info@maycocolors.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celtic Posted September 18, 2022 Report Share Posted September 18, 2022 Thanks for that. I did try them a while ago but don’t know if they answered me. I tried on their website but that didn’t help either. I only found one that matched! I will have another try otherwise I am going to put them all on to test pieces to find out how they react on my Bisque ware. & get them fired. I have about fifty pieces of Bisque I bought over 25yrs ago to glaze. Magnolia Mud Research 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly in AK Posted September 19, 2022 Report Share Posted September 19, 2022 Bisque ware ought to last forever (until you drop it). Reconstituting old Mayco glazes? Be aware of this list of the discontinued Mayco glazes from 2006: https://www.maycocolors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lead_MSDS_2006.pdf The definition (or should I say understanding?) of what is “foodsafe” has changed over the years. Glazes containing fritted lead were often labeled foodsafe when fired according to directions. Most people now wouldn’t accept any amount of lead on a surface that touches food… Make sure you know what you’re using if you do functional pottery. Min and Callie Beller Diesel 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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