🌟 Mayco Underglazes – My Go-To Favorite
Mayco is the brand I reach for again and again. I’ve used their underglazes extensively—especially for liner work—and they never disappoint. Their Designer Liner series in particular has been a total game-changer in my studio when I want crisp, clean lines without the mess or unpredictability. I’m also really pleased with their other series—each one seems to serve a different creative need without compromising on quality.
Why I love them:
Mayco strikes a great balance between vibrant color options, creative flexibility, and consistent results. Whether you're painting fine details or filling large areas with bold color, Mayco's underglaze line has something that will work beautifully for your style.
Key Advantages:
- Wide Range of Colors: From soft pastels to saturated jewel tones, Mayco’s color palette is extensive.
- Diverse Series: Collections like Designer Liner, Fundamentals, and Jungle Gems serve different artistic goals—fine line work, solid fill, and even crystalline/textured effects.
- Performs Across Firing Ranges: Whether you’re firing at low, mid, or high temperatures, the vibrancy holds up well—especially around cone 06 and cone 6.
- Smooth Application: Their creamy consistency makes for easy, controlled brushwork.
- Excellent for Layering: Mayco underglazes play well together and under clear glazes, enhancing depth without muddying your colors.
If you’re just starting with underglazes—or looking to upgrade—I genuinely recommend giving Mayco a try. They’ve been a trusty companion in many of my ceramic experiments.
🎨 Amaco Underglazes – The Classic
Amaco is a well-loved name in the ceramics world and while I haven’t personally used their underglazes yet, they’re high on my list to try. I’ve read countless glowing reviews and spoken to many ceramicists who swear by them, especially for their painterly qualities and reliable color performance.
If you're someone who loves detailed brushwork, soft gradients, or experimenting across firing ranges, Amaco sounds like a really solid bet.
Key Advantages:
- Stable at Various Temps: Amaco’s colors reportedly hold up beautifully from low to high fire, making them ideal for mixed firing schedules or electric/gas kiln setups.
- Matte or Glossy Looks: You can leave them unglazed for a soft, velvety surface—or top with clear glaze for deeper color and shine.
- Great for Painterly Effects: Their smooth texture and fluid consistency make them a favorite for detailed work, shading, and layered washes.
- Reliable Color Reproduction: Many artists say the color you paint is close to what you get after firing—super helpful when planning your palette.
I’m looking forward to testing them myself soon—especially for the kind of soft, atmospheric textures I love in my studio work. If you’ve used them and have favorites, I’d love to hear your take - please dm me on insta :)
🌈 Botz Underglazes – My Go-To Favorite 2
Botz may not be a household name in North America, but across Europe it’s a ceramicist’s favorite. Known for its bold, playful colors and ease of use, Botz is ideal if you're looking to shake up your palette.
Botz Benefits:
- Pre-Mixed & Ready to Go: These underglazes come ready to use, perfect for beginners or quick projects.
- Eye-Catching Palette: Expect vibrant, contemporary colors with high contrast and presence.
- Excellent for Decorative Techniques: Crisp coverage makes it ideal for sgraffito and surface carving.
- Unique Sheen Options: Some colors offer a slight natural sheen even without a final glaze.
Personally, I’ve used Botz underglazes quite a lot, especially since they’re easy to find here in Europe. They can be a bit tricky at times—if you love using watercolor techniques, they’re amazing. But if you're going for super clean lines, they can be a little stubborn. Still, there’s something really fun and spontaneous about working with them, especially when you're in the mood to experiment.
🏺 Final Thoughts
The best underglaze for your pottery depends on your firing range, surface technique, and aesthetic goals. Whether you're after painterly detail, bold coverage, or experimental finishes, the options above Mayco, Amaco, and Botz are trusted favorites for a reason.
Once you find your favorite, these underglazes will help you create pottery that not only stands out but truly reflects your artistic vision.
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