How to Apply Color to Clay with Mason Stains: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Are you looking to add vibrant, consistent colors to your ceramic projects? Mason stains are the perfect solution for potters of all skill levels. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the process of coloring clay with these professional-grade ceramic colorants.

Materials You'll Need

Mason stains (available in various colors)
Wooden mixing stick
Clay body (porcelain, stoneware, or earthenware)
Mixing container
Water
Digital scale for precise measurements
Protective gloves

Important Notes on Clay & Firing

Mason stains achieve their best color results at cone 6 firing temperature
Ensure your clay body can be fired to cone 6 for optimal results
Always use white clay for true colors — beige or dark clay bodies will significantly alter the final color appearance
The colors shown in this guide are based on white stoneware or porcelain clay bodies

Why Mason Stains Are Perfect for Ceramic Artists

Mason stains offer consistent, reliable coloration that maintains its vibrancy even after firing. Unlike oxide colorants, these commercially prepared stains provide predictable results every time, making them ideal for both beginners and professional ceramicists.

Understanding Color Intensity

The amount of stain you add determines the color intensity:

Saturated color: 18% pigment
Medium tone: 10% pigment
Pale/pastel: 5% pigment

What does this mean in practice? For every 1000g of clay:

Saturated pink = 180g of pink pigment
Medium pink = 100g of pink pigment
Pale pink = 50g of pink pigment

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare your workspace
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Wear your dust mask and gloves
- Cover your work surface with canvas or plastic
Weigh your clay
- Start with a manageable amount (500g-1000g)
- Use dry clay or slightly damp clay for best results
Calculate your stain amount
- For 500g of clay at medium intensity (10%): 500g × 0.10 = 50g of stain
Mix the stain
- Weigh your chosen stain carefully
- Add the stain to a small amount of water to create a slurry
- Mix thoroughly to eliminate clumps
Incorporate into clay
- Add the stain slurry to your clay
- Mix thoroughly by wedging or kneading
- Continue until the color is evenly distributed
- If the clay becomes too wet, allow it to dry slightly
Creating marbled effects
- For marbled clay, don't mix completely
- Gently fold colored clay into plain clay
- Stop when you achieve desired marbling pattern

Tips for Success

Always wear a mask when handling dry stains
Add stain gradually for more control
Test small batches before making large amounts
Keep colored clay wrapped in plastic when not in use
Label your colored clay with stain type and percentage

Troubleshooting

Uneven color: Continue wedging until color is uniform
Too pale: Add additional stain in small increments
Too intense: Mix with plain clay to dilute
Clay too wet: Allow to dry on plaster or canvas
Clay too dry: Lightly mist with water while mixing

Questions?

Drop them below or reach out to fran@fromfran.com

How to Use Mason Stains in Ceramics?