Notes
Old number: 1221
Related Information
Each Mason stain has its own personality for coloring the body
These Mason stains make the porcelain more refractory, but some more so (e.g. 6385, 6226). Some do not develop the intended color (e.g. 6006 pink, it is a glaze stain only). Some need a higher concentration (e.g. 6121, 6385). Some need a lower concentration (e.g. 6134). Some do not impart a homogeneous color (e.g. 6385). The data sheets from the stain manufacturer normally make it clear which of their stains are suitable in bodies. But it is up to you to test concentrations needed to get the desired color and what adjustments to the porcelain are needed to compensate its degree of vitrification in response to the effects of the stain.
Polar Ice Porcelain with Body Stains - by Robert Barritz
Robert has done really valuable work in this research, what an amazing range of color! Surfaces are unpolished and unglazed. All are fired to cone 6. Browns are missing, they can be made using iron oxide. For blacks, Mason 6600 is also effective. The blues can be intense using lower percentages than shown here, as low as 2% can be effective. There is an optimal amount for each stain, beyond that, big increases in percentage bring less increase in color intensity. There is another reason to keep stain percentages to a minimum: To reduce the impact on body maturity (and firing shrinkage). Blues, for example, can significantly heighten the degree of vitrification, even melting the porcelain. If you plan to marble different colors, keeping stain percentage as low as possible is even more important, unless you can do fired shrinkage compatibility testing, for example, the EBCT test. Need to develop your own white porcelain? See the link below.
Links