Foundations

Mayco Foundations
Mayco Foundations is the glaze series for ceramists looking for reliability, versatility and ease of use. Whether you are working on tableware, decorative objects or a school teaching project, these glazes always provide a solid foundation. Developed specifically for pottery clay, they are fired between 999°C and 1060°C (cone 06-05), making them particularly suitable for both functional and aesthetic work. Whatever your style or level, with Mayco Foundations you will lay a strong, colorful and stable foundation under your creations.
What exactly are Mayco Foundations?
Mayco Foundations are liquid glazes that you easily apply with a brush. They are available in three varieties: fully opaque, slightly transparent and matte. The opaque glazes provide strong colors with a smooth, even surface. The transparent varieties allow reliefs and structures to show through subtly, giving your ceramics extra depth. The matte glazes, on the other hand, provide a subdued and natural look, without losing their color intensity. Each glaze is designed to flow evenly even on vertical surfaces and dries beautifully evenly. This also makes them ideal to combine with other Mayco products, such as Stroke & Coat or Designer Liner.
Why do ceramists like working with Mayco Foundations?
What makes Mayco Foundations so beloved is the ease with which you can achieve beautiful, consistent results with them. The glazes are ready to use, require no shaking and can be applied smoothly in multiple layers. Even on dark clays, the opaque glazes deliver bright, sparkling colors. On the contrary, the transparent versions emphasize every detail of the ground. Another big advantage is predictability: you know in advance what the final result will look like. No surprises, just exactly the effect you intend. Moreover, all Mayco Foundations are food safe when fired correctly, which makes them perfect for glazing mugs, bowls or plates.
How do you choose the right glaze for your project?
The choice between them depends on your design and the desired end result. Are you working on tableware that is going to be used intensively? Then the opaque glazes are ideal because they offer a smooth and hygienic surface. On the other hand, do you want an engraved drawing or textured structure to remain visible? Then choose a transparent glaze that lets your work speak for itself. And if you want to create a rustic look, the matte varieties are an excellent choice. These feel soft, look modern and add a natural charm to your work. Many ceramists also combine the variants: a matte base coat with a transparent top coat or an opaque surface next to a piece with visible texture.
Who are these Mayco Foundation glazes suitable for?
Mayco Foundations are loved by both beginning ceramists and experienced professionals. They are widely used in studios and workshops because of their reliability and beautiful finish, but schools and workshops also often choose this series. This is because of the ease of use and the high probability of a successful result, even if someone has little experience with glazes. Children, young people and hobbyists can work with them safely and independently. And for those with more experience, they offer plenty of opportunities for experimentation: combining layers, working with relief or applying glazes on top of each other, anything goes.
Get the most out of your Mayco Foundation
For the best results, it is important to first cookie fire and clean your piece. Then apply two to three thin coats with a soft brush, letting each coat dry for a while. This ensures even distribution of the glaze and prevents drips. The ideal firing temperature is cone 06, or about 999°C. At higher temperatures, colors and gloss can change slightly, so it’s smart to make a test piece beforehand if you want to experiment.
The foundation you can always trust
Mayco Foundations do exactly what you would expect from a base glaze and more. They make the creative process more manageable and provide a beautiful, long-lasting finish to your work. The colors are intense, the finish is sleek, and the results are reliable regardless of your experience or technique. As a result, these glazes are the perfect starting point for any project: from playful children’s plates to sophisticated dinnerware or artistic wall tiles.
Discover the range of Mayco Foundations at Ceramics and Glazes!
In our webshop you will find a wide range of Mayco Foundations: from glossy white to bright blue or soft gray matte. Each glaze comes with clear glaze information and sample photos, so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re looking for a solid base for your decoration or a color that will bring your work to life, you’ll find it here. And do you have questions or want personal advice? Then our ceramics specialists are happy to assist you, feel free to contact us for an appointment. Discover it for yourself and give your ceramic projects a flying start with Mayco Foundations.