Embrace the unexpected with stoneware reactive glazes

Like the changing seasons, trends evolve, shaping how consumers interact with their spaces and the products they buy. As environmental awareness among consumers continues to grow, an increasing segment of customers seek more sustainable and durable products that are neither mass-produced nor commoditized, but rather unique or small-lot products.

Individuality and craftsmanship matter in this landscape. For those consumers who entertain at home, this group often invests in high-quality serving pieces that reflect their personal style. This trend aligns with the appeal of Vibrantz’s earthenware colors and stoneware glazes. These coatings enable the creation of artisanal ceramics and embody the earthy, textural qualities desired by many customers.

Reactive glazes offer beauty in the unpredictable

Reactive glazes transform ceramic surfaces through natural chemical reactions during firing. Influenced by factors such as temperature, composition, and firing cycles, these glazes create unpredictable, one-of-a-kind effects. This elevates stoneware and earthenware into functional art. Reactive glazes make tableware that is imperfect by design. While reactive glazes are not uniform like screen-printed colors, Vibrantz has refined the process and materials to deliver captivating results, including:

• Depth and dimension: Colors and textures create a rich, dynamic appearance

• Earthy and dramatic aesthetics: Subtle elemental effects or bold contrasts, depending on the formula

• Bespoke results: Organic, irregular finishes with slight variations that distinguish each piece

“Our team and reactive glazes share a rare quality: Both are full of character, blending reliability with delightful spontaneity.”

–Francisco Jordao, Fine ceramics sales manager

Exploring potential reactive glaze outcomes and options

Finish types	– Transparent or opaque – Glossy or matte – Vibrant or neutral tones
Surface effects	– Crazing: Fine crack patterns on the glaze surface – Crawling: Glaze retracts during firing, leaving exposed areas – Crystalline formulations: Intricate patterns formed during cooling
Firing impact	– Chemical composition and firing temperature influence different outcomes – Firing cycle (time and temperature curve) affects both the color and texture
Application methods	– Dipping: Provides even coverage and layering possibilities – Pouring: Creates flowing, organic effects – Spraying: Allows for subtle gradients and blending
Texture enhancements	– On textured surfaces, the glaze will gather unevenly and produce diverse colors and textures – Larger particles can create speckled effects or textured areas
Customization with additives	– Color stains: Add chromium, iron or cobalt to create various hues – Glaze composition: Changing the flux, glass formers and stabilizers will alter the final look

Crafting the customer journey with care

Nestled in the heart of a global stoneware hub, our Aveiro, Portugal, plant and office are home to our dedicated earthenware team. Here, creativity, technical expertise and a genuine passion for craftmanship converge to bring customer ideas to life.

The journey begins with a conversation, an opportunity to deeply understand your design goals and preferences. From there, we curate our showroom to inspire collaboration and spark new ideas. Next, our skilled team moves to the lab, where we transform your vision into world-class, tailor-made solutions. At every step, we are dedicated to providing an experience as dynamic and distinctive as the reactive glazes we create.

Explore our latest offerings and contact us to learn more today.