As the use of dinnerware and tableware is pretty much common in every household, artisans have been finding new products that can redefine beauty and make them sturdier. One such element is stoneware. In recent times, the use of stoneware in the preparation of tableware items has increased tremendously. In this post, you will get to know everything about stoneware and the things that make it popular among households.
What is stoneware?
Stoneware is a kind of non-porous ceramic prepared from stoneware clay that has been ablaze at a temperature range of 2150 and 2330 degrees Fahrenheit. Stoneware dinnerware sometimes boasts a thicker structure as compared to china and porcelain. The comparatively high firing temperature, thicker body, and combination of clay with vitreous ceramic materials make it a tough, robust dinnerware choice for both households and restaurants.
The appearance of Stoneware
Stoneware is found to be more impervious as compared to porcelain or china due to its thicker structure and material composition. It inherits its name from the stony looks this dinnerware embraces after its high-temperature firing. Before glazing, stoneware sometimes has color designs and differences similar to natural stone too.
Much similar to other types of dinnerware, it undergoes glazing to attain a vibrant matte or glossy appearance. Generally, stoneware enables a countryside, earthy look that makes it awesome for restaurants or those who want a farm-to-table touch.
The making of Stoneware
The best quality stoneware items are handcrafted on pottery wheels. Although it takes more time than making stoneware, the manual process ultimately leads to the development of a quality product. Handmade pottery mugs or ceramic dinner plates are also more hard-wearing and have an improved hand feel than machine-made approaches.
- Put the Item
Stoneware begins its journey as a simple bump of clay that potters throw onto their pottery wheels. The potter designs the item by hand, applying light but stable hand to pull clay skyward. This forms the walls of the item. After this, the potter employs special tools to shape the mug into various styles.
If you look at the inner walls of your stoneware product, you’ll come across various ridges all along the inside, along with a swirled pattern of clay at the base. Those are edges that potters make using their fingertips during the preparation.
- Bisque Firing and Stamping
Stoneware is sometimes fired in a kiln twice to increase its durability, however, it must be air-dried so the clay can toughen and the water inside can vanish. If excessive levels of water remain in the clay body, the stoneware can break in the kiln. The level of time taken for stoneware to dry out enough for its preliminary firing can differ, but fortunately, the custom HVAC system embraces all differences from the scenario.
- Glazing
The glazing process adds a layer of glass protection cover post the final firing. There are different types of glaze hues and mixtures used by different brands worldwide. Some feature glossy or matte textures, while others are sparkling and feature a rainbow-like shine. Others have harmful minerals like lead or cadmium, so they are not good for use with drinks or food. However, all glazes defend your stoneware and stop liquid from inflowing the clay body.
- Final Firing
After the glazing becomes dry, the stoneware is put in the kilns for its last-stage firing. At this stage, the glaze on the exteriors of the stoneware dissolves and vitrifies, or converts into the glass. It also rages the glaze to the clay and safeguards it from the elements.
In spite of the extreme temperatures of the kilns, the final firing is considered delicate. As various potters understand, different glazes need different firing cycles given the specific color that is needed.
