Frequently Asked Questions
Q.  What is cold paint?
A.  Cold paint refers to the paint that is applied AFTER the pottery had been glazed and fired.  It is basically a paint that was applied on TOP of a glazed piece.  Because the piece was never fired (heat) after this coat of paint was applied, this layer of paint is called "cold paint".  Unfortunately, because cold paint is not fired on, it easily comes of with wear and cleaning.

 
Q.  Are all pieces of McCoy Pottery marked?
A.  McCoy Pottery has used MANY different markings over the years.  The history and examples of the McCoy mark can be found in the McCoy Pottery Reference and Value Guide.  In General however, it should be known that only a small percentage of pieces marked USA are McCoy.  There seems to be a general misconception that if a piece is marked USA it is McCoy.  That is NOT that case.  Shawnee Pottery used the USA mark MUCH more than McCoy. 

 
Q.  What is the best way to clean pottery?
A.  OK, I know I am going to get hassled for this answer, but I have to tell you the truth.  When I first started collecting McCoy, I would put my pieces in the dish washer.  I am not necessarily recommending this, but I will say, my pottery never looked so good!  The heat of the dishwasher is very hard on old clay....so please don't go putting your recently found poppy vase along with the spagetti covered dishes.  However, if you have a few pieces that are less than perfect, it might be worth trying.....just remember, you do so at your own risk.  I NEVER had a piece develop hairlines from this process....but logic tells me that the quick change in temperature is bound to cause such problems.

As far as the water stains and calcium deposits which are common in pot and saucers, try lime-a-way or CLR.  Both seem to work wonderful.  Vinager works too.....but is not as powerful.

Bleach?  Yikes....don't say that too loud!  There are many collectors that feel bleach will ruin the clay.  I am one of them!  I once soaked a piece that had dark crazing in bleach water.  It came out beautiful, but 2-3 days later developed a crusty web where something from the clay was seeping out.  To this day.... 4 years later, the piece STILL "scales" like this, especially when it is being used as a vase and holding water inside.  For more information on cleaning, be sure to visit our "Cleaning tips" site.

 
Got a question?  and if appropriate, we will add it to the list!