Food Safe Glaze – How to Choose the Right One
Not all glazes are suitable for ceramics used with food and beverages. Here we explain the difference between Food Safe, Dinnerware Safe and Not Dinnerware Safe, as well as what to consider when glazing and firing, so you can easily choose the right glaze for your project.
Dinnerware Safe – suitable for dinnerware
Dinnerware Safe means that the surface of the fired glaze meets the requirements for Food Safe and is also suitable for use on dinnerware.
The surface must, among other things, be chemically durable and free from textures, cracks or depressions that could make it difficult to clean.
This is the classification you should look for when glazing mugs, plates, bowls and other ceramics that come into contact with food and beverages.
Dinnerware Safe with Clear Glaze
Some glazes are Dinnerware Safe only after a recommended clear glaze or other suitable glaze has been applied and fired according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always check the product information to see which clear glaze is recommended.
Not Dinnerware Safe – not suitable for dinnerware
A glaze can be Food Safe but still Not Dinnerware Safe. This may, for example, be because the fired surface has a texture that is difficult to clean or is not sufficiently chemically durable when in contact with food and beverages.
These glazes should not be used on dinnerware.
Please note: Applying a clear glaze over a glaze marked Not Dinnerware Safe does not automatically make it suitable for dinnerware.
How to choose the right glaze
For decorative pieces: Check the product’s recommended uses and instructions.
For mugs, plates and bowls: Choose a glaze marked Dinnerware Safe.
For glazes marked Dinnerware Safe with Clear Glaze: Use the recommended clear glaze and follow the manufacturer’s firing instructions.
For glazes marked Not Dinnerware Safe: Do not use the glaze on dinnerware.
Important when glazing
The classification applies to the surface of the fired glaze and assumes that the glaze has been applied and fired according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When trying a new glaze or combining multiple glazes, we recommend always doing a test firing on a test piece before using the combination on functional ware.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for clay, application, temperature and firing. The result can be affected by the glaze, clay and firing conditions.
Responsibility for finished ceramic ware
The glaze classification is an important guideline, but the manufacturer of the finished ceramic ware is responsible for ensuring that commercially sold products meet applicable food and dinnerware safety requirements.
On Art4Fun’s product pages, we indicate whether each glaze is suitable for dinnerware. Always check the product information before using a glaze for food and beverage applications.