Understanding the firing process your china goes through is very important to think about before making any kind of purchasing decision. Firing is the process of solidifying china using a kiln.
The firing process may determine how durable, chip-resistant and how affordable your porcelain or ceramic china will be.
Vitrified China
Vitrified china is made impermeable during the second firing of a two-firing process. Vitrification is a method of converting material into a solid by the quick removal or addition of heat.
If the china does not go through the vitrification process, it will likely have tiny air holes all over its body. The product thereby can act as a sponge that collects small amounts of water over time, making it more prone to chipping and falling apart. Vitrified china avoids this issue. It is made non-porous during the firing process and is known for its durability.
Vitrified china can be taken from the freezer and put into the oven. It can also be used both indoors and outdoors and is a bit denser and heavier than other china products.
Single-Fired China
This method shapes, glazes and fires the product all at once. It greatly speeds up the firing process and cuts down on overall firing costs. Single-fired china is known for its affordability.
Prior to this way of firing china, it was fired in a kiln for several days, whereas now it can be done in about an hour. Single-fired china has a denser body and a more durable glaze to it when compared to previous firing methods. China that has been single-fired is recommended for outdoor use because of its strength.
Double-Fired China
Firing china twice makes the product more durable and stain-resistant. Unlike single-fired china where the product is fired and glazed at the same time, the double-fired way breaks that process up into two separate firings.
The china is first fired once, taken out and then fired again with a glaze added to the product. This firing process uses up more energy and takes more time to complete when compared to the single-fired way. It is slightly more expensive than single-fired china and can be used both indoors and outdoors because of its durability.
Triple-Fired China
China is simply triple-fired for maximum durability. This firing method ensures that the china is super strong and is usually fired in a heavy glaze for additional luster and overall beauty. Triple-fired china is more on the expensive end because it is less likely to break.
Unfinished dinnerware ready to be fired.
Burners from back view of an industrial kiln.
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