Washing Handmade Porcelain Is Easy
When you hear handmade ceramics, you might immediately think of an item that is difficult to handle and breaks easily and you can only touch it carefully. However, this is not necessarily the case. There is no doubt that some handmade ceramics are more sensitive than the cheaper pieces coming off the production line of factories, but this is certainly not the case with my ceramics.
Why can a handmade ceramic be difficult to maintain?
There are several reasons for this:
First of all, a significant part of handmade ceramics is made from some type of ordinary clay, which in itself is quite porous, not even waterproof without the glaze covering its surface, and they don’t have a good resistance to breakage. Not to mention the fact that their glazes sometimes cannot even stand regular use. Over time, water and detergents dissolve the components that give them their character, the salt content of dishwashers makes their surface opalescent.
Stoneware is significantly stronger than ordinary clay and also very often used by ceramicists. Due to some additives the stoneware pieces must be fired at a higher temperature, during which the material is compacted to such an extent that it becomes resistant to both liquids and odors. Stoneware is the material of most common tableware that we can buy in larger stores. It is a material that is easy to work with and has good resistance to scratches and heat shocks, however, in the case of smaller protruding shapes - such as the animals attached to the mugs of my No Planet B design - it would not be strong enough either. The edge of the stoneware or the handle of a cup can be easily snapped off.
For me, porcelain was the solution.
Why is porcelain the best choice for handmade ceramic items?
Porcelain is the noblest and strongest ceramic material. The material is so strong that even dental crowns are made from it, because it can withstand constant chewing, while its beautifully glazed surface provides an elegant and comfortable grip. In strong light, like the surface of a mirror, in weaker light it shimmers like a veil. It withstands minor impacts, and even if it does break, you can see how dense the material is on the shelled surface of the break. However, there is no need to be afraid of it, it can only get damaged during improper use, for instance if something hits it with too much force or it is dropped on the ground.
Porcelain is the most difficult to work with because it is not as plastic as clay or stoneware, and yet, the end result compensates every effort for me. The sight of the beautifully made mugs, cups and jugs is captivating, the handmade porcelain is almost a jewel on the table. In addition, it is an extremely resistant material. It withstands thermal shocks, and minor impacts cannot damage it.
I only use glazes that are scratch-free and won't become opalescent from dish soap. They are all microwave and dishwasher safe. The smaller animals are attached to the cups in such a way that they can support the full weight of the cup filled with coffee or tea. Sometimes I put them in the dishwasher after use, but often I just wash them by hand and put the cup upside down on its own plate on the dryer.