Caring for your Ceramicware

Reprinted with permission of the Coors Ceramics Company

For General Cleaning, use weak to moderate concentration acids (except hydrofluoric) or alkalis. Also acceptable are detergents, abrasives, and standard soap. Burning off organic residue by gas burner or furnace is also acceptable.

For porous ceramic, use weak to moderate concentration acids (except hydrofluoric) or alkalis. Back flushing is also a method commonly used to unclog pores. For surface deposits, light sanding may be acceptable.

How to Ensure Ceramic Marking Ink will be permanent. After applying the ink to the surface of the part, heat the entire part 200°C per hour in a furnace to 1100°C and hold that temperature for 1 hour. Allow the part to cool before removing from the furnace.

How to Use Liquid Nitrogen with a mortar and pestle. Freeze the mortar and pestle at least 8 hours just prior to use. This will reduce the temperature gradient and minimize thermal stress.

Prevent Cracking or Breakage during heating or cooling. Follow the recommended heating/cooling rates. Use an oven or hot plate to pre-heat the ceramicware. A desiccator plate may be used to place the ceramicware on during cooling. Gradually increase the flame intensity when using a gas burner. Use smallest part possible to minimize thermal stress.

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