Introduction
Ceramic pieces tend to feel warm, soft, and easy to live with. But unlike glass, ceramics carry more of the making process within them, from how they're painted to how they're fired. Because of that, small variations and marks are not unusual, and in many cases they're simply part of how ceramics exist.
This guide is here to share a bit more context, so you know what to expect and how to care for your pieces over time.
About Underglaze Ceramics
All of our ceramic pieces are made using underglaze techniques. This means that the color or design is applied before firing, and then sealed under a layer of glaze in the kiln. The result is a surface that feels smooth, stable, and suitable for everyday use.
In general, this type of finish holds up well over time and does not easily fade under normal conditions.
Hand-Painted Pieces
Some pieces are painted by hand before they are fired. Because of this, you may notice small differences from one piece to another: slight variations in brush strokes, spacing, or pattern placement.
These differences are not defects, but a natural result of the process. Each piece carries a slightly different trace of how it was made.
Underglaze Decals
Other pieces use high-temperature underglaze decals. The process involves firing the piece first, applying the design, then sealing it with a transparent glaze and firing it again at high temperatures, typically between 800 and 1200°C.
This creates a surface where the design is fully sealed and stable. It also allows for more detailed and consistent patterns, especially compared to hand painting.
A Note on Safety
There are often questions around ceramic safety.
Most of our tableware uses underglaze decoration, which means the design sits beneath the glaze rather than on top of it. After high-temperature firing, the decorated surface is sealed under that glaze layer.
This is different from certain low-temperature or overglaze applications that have raised concerns in the past. If you have specific questions about a particular piece, feel free to reach out and we'll be glad to help.
Natural Variations
During firing, ceramics can develop small details such as:
- Tiny black dots
- Subtle pinholes or air bubbles
These are a natural outcome of high-temperature kiln processes. It's difficult to achieve complete uniformity in ceramics, and small variations are generally considered part of the material rather than flaws.
That said, we do inspect and filter pieces before they are offered, so anything that doesn't meet our standards is not included.
About Marks from Utensils
Over time, you may notice dark marks appearing on certain ceramic surfaces, especially on matte finishes or lighter-toned glazes. This tends to happen with regular use of stainless steel utensils.
Ceramic is harder than stainless steel, and repeated contact can leave behind fine traces of metal on the surface. On lighter or more translucent glazes, these marks are simply easier to see. They are not structural damage, but surface residue.
Cleaning These Marks
In most cases, these marks can be reduced or removed with gentle cleaning. You can try:
- A small amount of toothpaste with a soft brush
- Light circular motion, without applying too much pressure
If the marks are more noticeable, a mild abrasive such as a very fine polishing material can help lift them. After cleaning, rinsing thoroughly and allowing the surface to rest briefly is usually enough.
Over a longer period of use, if marks build up more deeply, they may not fully disappear. This does not affect usability, but it can change the appearance slightly.
A Final Note
Ceramics are shaped not only by design, but by process. Small variations, subtle marks, and changes over time are part of how they are used and lived with.
With a bit of awareness, and a gentle approach when needed, they tend to age in a way that reflects daily use rather than perfection.
