Methods for preventing cracking and preserving ceramic tableware

To prevent cracking and preserve ceramic tableware, efforts should be made from three aspects: material properties, environmental control, and operation norms. The following are the detailed methods:

First, understand the fundamental cause of ceramic cracking

The brittleness of ceramic tableware stems from its internal microstructure:

Uneven thermal stress: Sudden cooling and heating can cause differences in the shrinkage rates of the inner and outer layers, resulting in cracks. For instance, if a hot plate just taken out of the oven is directly rinsed with cold water, it may cause "cracking".

Mechanical impact: Collisions with hard objects or improper stacking (such as the bottom of one bowl directly pressing on the glaze surface of another bowl) can easily cause hidden damage, and it may suddenly crack during later use.

Material defects: Insufficient firing temperature or uneven raw materials can cause tiny pores in the porcelain body, reducing its crack resistance.

Sudden changes in environmental humidity: A dry environment suddenly absorbs moisture and expands, or a humid environment rapidly loses water and shrinks, both of which may cause cracking of the glaze surface.

Second, the core preservation method

1. Environmental control

Constant temperature and humidity

Avoid storing ceramic tableware for a long time in an environment with a temperature difference exceeding 15℃ (such as alternating between the radiator and the balcony).

The humidity should be controlled at 40% to 60%. In the north during winter, a humidifier can be used, while in the south during the rainy season, ventilation and mold prevention are necessary.

Isolation and protection

Place bamboo charcoal bags or silica gel desiccants in the storage cabinet to absorb moisture and prevent insects.

Anti-collision strips are installed on the cabinet doors to reduce the vibration transmission when opening and closing.

2. Storage method

Separate by layers

Use acid-free soft partitions (such as flannel or EVA foam) to separate tableware and avoid direct stacking.

Thick-walled tableware (such as clay POTS) and thin-walled tableware (such as bone China cups) should be stored separately to prevent uneven pressure.

Vertical storage

Mugs, soup bowls and other items can be upside down on the cup holder to reduce the pressure on the bottom.

It is recommended to store the plates upright and fix them with a dedicated plate rack to prevent the glaze surfaces from rubbing against each other.

3. Handling and usage Specifications

Handle with care

When handling, support the bottom with both hands to avoid uneven force distribution caused by grasping the edges with one hand.

After cleaning, dry with a soft towel. Do not wipe the glaze surface vigorously with kitchen paper.

Temperature difference buffering

Before serving hot food, you can add a small amount of warm water to the bottom of the plate to preheat it first. Before storing cold food, avoid direct contact with chilled food.

When preheating the oven, empty baking trays should be placed separately. It is strictly forbidden to put cold food directly in them.

Third, handling of special scenarios

Long-term idle

After washing and drying, wrap each piece of tableware with cling film and then put it in a storage box to prevent dust from entering the micro-pores of the glaze surface.

A humidity indicator card is placed inside the box. Check it once a month. If the humidity exceeds the standard, the desiccant should be replaced in time.

Transportation protection:

When mailing or moving, wrap each piece of tableware with bubble wrap and fill the gaps with shredded paper or foam particles.

The exterior is reinforced with cardboard boxes, marked as "fragile", and logistics services with shock-absorbing functions are selected.

Fourth, emergency repair and prevention

Micro-crack treatment

If fine cracks are found on the glaze surface, they can be filled with clear nail polish to prevent stains from seeping in and causing the cracks to expand.

Severe cracks need to be repaired by contacting a professional pottery studio for Kintiniku (filled with lacquer mixed with gold powder).

Regular inspection

Check the bottom of the tableware once every quarter to see if there are any hidden cracks (which can be observed by slanting a light).

Discard tableware with severely worn glaze or hidden damage to avoid sudden breakage during use.

Fifth, clarification of misunderstandings

Misconception 1: Ceramic tableware is not afraid of being dropped and does not require special protection

Ceramic has much lower impact resistance than metal. Even if it is dropped from a height of 30cm, it may still cause hidden injuries.

Misconception 2: All ceramics can be put in the microwave or oven

It is necessary to confirm whether the bottom of the tableware is marked with "Microwave Oven suitable" or "Oven Safe". Some overglaze tableware may release heavy metals at high temperatures.

Misconception 3: It's fine to continue using it after cracking

Cracks can become breeding grounds for bacteria and may suddenly shatter during use, posing a safety hazard.

By the above methods, the risk of cracking of ceramic tableware can be significantly reduced and its service life can be prolonged. The core principles are to avoid extreme environmental changes, reduce mechanical stress and conduct regular maintenance and inspection.