Vitreous China vs Fine Fireclay
Discover the differences between Vitreous China and Fine Fireclay, and why Fine Fireclay has many benefits for creating high quality Butler and Farmhouse kitchen sinks.
In most cases, all basic sanitaryware, whiteware and stoneware is considered Vitreous China if they have less than 0.5% water absorption. Vitreous China shrinks on average 11.2% as an industry standard. This high shrinkage means that Vitreous China has a greater tendency to warp and distort, meaning maintaining shape, particularly long or flat panels is much harder to achieve.
Fine Fireclay on the other hand is manufactured in a different manner using alternative materials, using various ballclays and china clays that are mixed with silica and chamotte (calcined china clay), meaning Fireclay has several beneficial qualities. When fired, Fine Fireclay has a water absorption of between 6% and 11% which is why you will notice that all surfaces that come into contact with water have a glazed finish. With the shrinkage of Fine Fireclay being much less than that of Vitreous China, (usually between 4% and 6%), Fine Fireclay can maintain a flat and straight surface much more easily.
Being more durable than Vitreous China, Fine Fireclay is known for being adaptable for a range of environments like industrial operations or household areas such as laundry rooms and kitchen sinks. With great stability, the materials within Fine Fireclay means it is strong and durable thanks to being fired and soaked at high temperatures.
When it comes to the finish of these ceramic materials, Vitreous China has a glaze applied directly to the clay piece, generally giving a smoother finish, whilst the process for Fine Fireclay is slightly different, Fireclay has a secondary material called Engobe which is placed between the clay piece and the finishing glaze. This ensures that the thermal expansion between the two materials is maintained to a point whereby any peeling or cracking won’t appear in the finished goods or at a later date, making it longer lasting.