How Glazing and Decoration Affect Ceramic Tableware Price

In producing and sourcing ceramic tableware, glazing and decoration are frequently important components of the total ceramic tableware price. Various glazes, complexity of processes, and different methods of decoration will affect not just the image and texture of the product, but ultimately aspects of the ceramic tableware price.

For brand owners and those looking to buy ceramics for a restaurant or want to buy in larger quantities (wholesaler), an understanding of cost components can help in making informed decisions when customizing or purchasing larger quantities.

This article will discuss and analyze in greater detail how glazing and decoration will impact the ceramic tableware prices across five aspects: glaze type, decoration method, production process, quality inspection, and customization complexity.

Glaze Type: Price Differences Between Basic Glazes and Specialty Glazes

Glaze is a thin glassy film on the ceramic surface, determining not only the product’s gloss and color but also its cost. Common glazes can be divided into the following categories:

• Transparent Glaze: The simplest form of glaze, typically applied to white or single-color porcelain. It is lower in price and is the most popular glaze for ceramic tableware made in large quantities.
• Matte Glaze: It is composed of materials that require higher firing temperatures as well as quality temperature controls during the firing process, to produce a softer feel. The price is about 15%–25% more than transparent glaze.
• Specialty Glazes, like Crystalline Glaze, Crackle Glaze, and Flow Glaze, etc. These glazes have complex processes and low yields. They are often used for high-end tableware or art porcelain, and their price is 30%–50% more than ordinary glaze.

The type of glaze and the difficulty of controlling the glaze are the major causes of ceramic tableware price variations.

Decorative Techniques: From Printing to Hand-Painting, Significant Cost Differences

The richness of decorating techniques affects the ceramic tableware price, so here are some of the decorating techniques and their prices.

• Decal Printing: Applicable for large quantities, patterns are fixed and not too expensive. It is the most commonly used method.
• Silk Screen Printing: For company logos or simple monochrome patterns. Used for restaurant or hotel orders.
• Hand Painting: One piece per person; time and labor-consuming. Price is about 3 to 4 times the price of printed decals products.
• Gold/Silver Rim: A second firing or coloring at low temperature will increase the material cost. Manual outlining is necessary so the price will be 30% higher.

That is, if the white porcelain coffee cup has a factory price of $1, if you add a logo, it will print another 20 cents, that is $1.20, while if it is hand-painted with gold rim, the price will be more than $2.00. In other words, the more complicated the decoration, the higher the ceramic tableware price.

Firing and Process Control: Quality and Cost Resulting from High-Temperature Firing

The temperature at which the ceramic material is fired has a direct impact on the strength of the ceramic body, the amount of water absorbed, and the gloss of the surface.

• Single Firing: This process is appropriate for everyday white porcelain because it saves time and money.
• Double Firing: Stemming from the production of glazed or gold-rimmed tableware, this process improves the gloss on the surface of the ceramic, improves functionality, and results in a smoother surface. However, it requires more energy to fire in two stages and lengthens the firing process.

The products made from high-temperature firing (1280℃–1350℃), for example, are denser with less water absorption and can withstand long-standing use in restaurants. Yongjian typically applies a high-temperature double-firing method to the manufacturing process of high-end hotel tableware. This method achieves a more even glaze and improves dishwasher-resistance, but typically a “Ceramic Tableware Price” of 20%–30% more than that of ordinary ceramic tableware prices.

Furthermore, the precision of temperature control determines the product yield. The scrap rate for high-end glazed or glazed products is typically 8%–12%, and these intangible losses are also factored into the overall cost.

Quality Inspection and Standards: The Cost Investment Behind Safety and Durability

To meet food safety standards such as FDA, LFGB, and EU CE certification, a set of ceramic tableware requires additional testing and inspection. These testing fees and laboratory audit costs also affect the final Ceramic Tableware Price.

Yongjian conducts the following tests on each batch of products before they leave the factory:

• Glaze safety testing (testing for lead and cadmium release)
• High-temperature washability testing (≥500 dishwasher cycles)
• Appearance consistency testing (color difference, gloss, glaze uniformity)

Products that pass these tests are more likely to gain the approval of large retailers or hotel groups. Although testing costs only account for about 3%–5%, it is a necessary investment to ensure brand reputation and stable supply.

Customization and MOQ: Price Balance Through Flexible Production

In the ceramic industry, the complexity of customization is closely related to the minimum order quantity (MOQ).

The larger the batch, the lower the unit price, but for products made to order with special glazes, molds and print of brand logo, the cost for design and color matching are higher at the beginning. Yongjian offers a low MOQ customization factory to meet the needs of various customers.
This kind of order model makes SMEs or brands get exclusive designs at an acceptable price range, and thus can have a better balance between the ceramic tableware price and the uniqueness of the brand.

Conclusão

The ceramic tableware price, besides the material & size, the glaze, decorative technique, firing method, testing standard and even the openness ofthe order model will also affect the price.

It is better to communicate fully with the manufacturer in purchase or customization about the target market positioning and budget, and clarify the type and process requirements of glaze to get the best cost-effectiveness. As Yongjian’s years of experience have shown, choosing the right process and MOQ can effectively control Ceramic Tableware Price while ensuring quality.

Sobre a cerâmica Yongjian

Cerâmica de Yongjian, established in 1990, is a professional Fabricante de louça de mesa em cerâmica. With advanced automated production lines and an experienced process team, Yongjian provides global customers with high-quality, low MOQ, and flexible ceramic customization services.
Please get in touch for detailed quotations and customization solutions.

FAQ

Q1: ​​Will the ceramic glaze affect the food safety of tableware?

No. All Yongjian glazes have passed international food-grade testing and meet EU and US standards.

Q2: Is it possible to customize a small batch of products with my logo?
Yes. We support low MOQ customization. The minimum order quantity depends on the product type; please contact our sales team.

Q3: What is the difference between high-temperature glaze and low-temperature glaze?
High-temperature glaze is more durable and wear-resistant, suitable for restaurants or hotels; low-temperature glaze offers richer colors and is commonly used in the home or gift market.

Q4: Which is more durable, decals or hand-painted designs?
Decal designs are more wear-resistant after high-temperature firing, while hand-painted products have greater artistic value but should be protected from frequent friction.