Just like the changing seasons, trends shift in response to the world around us, shaping how consumers connect with their spaces and the products they buy. As environmental awareness grows and inflation further impacts prices, consumers are taking more time to make purchases that they do not regret. Referred to as the “slow movement,” this trend encourages thoughtful decision making and prioritizes quality, sustainability and personal style over impulse purchases.

Individuality and craftsmanship are vital in this landscape, especially for those consumers who entertain at home. This group often invests in high-quality serving pieces that reflect their personal style and stand the test of time. Rather than dining out, customers are focusing on transforming their homes into welcoming spaces for meaningful connections and memorable experiences.

The “slow movement” aligns seamlessly with Vibrantz’s earthenware colors and stoneware glazes, which enable the creation of artisanal ceramics that embody craftsmanship and lasting quality. With rich, earthy textures and authentic designs, these coatings help create pieces that transform tablescapes.

Mixed effect glazes
Textured and matte effect bowl
Transparent and glossy glazes


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.

-Michael Moura, Director of sales, Portugal

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.

Francisco Jordao

Francisco Jordao

Francisco Jordao has over 28 years of technical expertise in ceramics. He started his career at the Technical Institute of Ceramics and Glass in Portugal as a technical assistant and laboratory analyst. Through field-related roles he gained extensive experience in plant management, marketing and technical services. In 2015 he joined Ferro as a sales manager in tile coatings and has been a sales manager in fine ceramics at Vibrantz since 2022. He has a licentiate’s degree in ceramic and glass sciences and engineering from the University of Aveiro in Portugal.