Overglaze Colours : Firebird Range

The Firebird range is an intermixable low-lead series of powdered onglaze colours. Smoothness of application and vividly flamboyant colours are characteristics of this series. The usual lead content has been minimised thus enabling the colours to meet low lead-release specifications, provided that they are used conventionally and are properly fired.

Preparation of colours: Mix thoroughly by working the colour into a suitable media e.g. 47031 Turps/Resin Medium 1lt on a smooth surface using a palette knife in a rubbing action. Pick up the required amount of colour on a brush moistened with turpentine if the media is fat-oil based. Alternatively, a water-based medium may be used instead, in which case use water to moisten and clean the brush.

Firing guidance: Onglaze colours and lustres are normally fired in the range 730-800C. Lower firing temperatures will give matter finishes which is not recommended on the surfaces of ware in contact with foodstuffs. The kiln must be well-ventilated (vent plug out) until about 450-500C to clear away gases from burning-away of media etc. The vent plugs can then be replaced and firing continued to 730-780C at which point the kiln should be switched off and allowed to cool fully.

See our Technical Information Sheet "Safe Handling of Powdered Ceramic Materials"