Soft porcelain

Types of Soft Porcelain

Soft porcelain is popular due to its malleability and the ease with which it can be molded into complex shapes. Different types of soft porcelain are used today based on appearance and functionality.

• Biscuit porcelain

  Biscuit porcelain or unglazed porcelain is an early soft paste where a proportion of ball clay was added to the clay body. The addition of ball clay enhanced its plasticity and workability for artisans. This type of porcelain is fired twice before use, the first firing is for strength and form solid, and the second firing is for aesthetics, where the pieces are glazed. It has a dense body that resembles an ivory and a velvety texture. Commonplace in architectural decoration, cigar and cigarette cabinets, and figure work.

• Bone china

  Bone china is another soft porcelain that has been developed by adding calcine bone ash to the clay body. This gives the body extraordinary whiteness and strength while still remaining thin and translucent. Bone china is known for its ringing quality and is used in dinnerware, teacups, and other household ceramics. Thus, it balances between beauty and practicality as it can be used for daily ware with less chipping or cracking.

• Paper porcelain

  Paper porcelain gets its name from its body material's extreme thinness and translucency. Fine china clay is mixed to this body with a small amount of bone ash to reduce the chance of cracking during firing. What follows is a material that allows for extremely fine shapes like thin-walled vases and light fixtures that can barely be seen. This soft porcelain is favored by contemporary designers for its ability to create air and weightless forms, thus ideal for decorative pieces and artworks.

• Parian porcelain

  Parian porcelain resembles marble because of its matte surface and is composed of a mixture of china stone, ball clay, and feldspar. Since parian porcelain does not have glazing, it creates a very realistic feel in figures and statues. Characteristically, the material can be polished after shaping to make it smooth to the surface. Its solid, white, and opaque nature makes it suitable for sculptural pieces and architectural moldings.

• Soft-paste porcelain

  The initial efforts to create porcelain in Europe led to the production of soft-paste porcelain. The unique materials used such as clay, glass, and sometimes bone ash made it different from hard-paste varieties. London, Chelsea, and Sevres made their own varieties, each with characteristics and qualities. The type of porcelain is characterized by its non-translucent nature and somewhat creamy color. Soft porcelain was often used to create brightly colored pieces and decorative items.

Features of Soft Porcelain

Soft porcelain features many qualities that are valued by makers and users alike. These characteristics include material property, workability, firing technique, translucency, and surface texture.

• Material property

  Soft porcelain consists of various materials like plastic clay, ball clay, glass, and other rare minerals. These give it a unique body that is different from hard porcelain. It has a far lower firing temperature, making it easier to shape and fire in a kiln.

• Workability and malleability

  Soft porcelain is very ductile because of the materials added to it, specifically ball clay. This property enables artists and potters to create complex shapes, ornate designs, and fine details. Such high workability makes soft porcelain highly preferred in creating figurines, decorative objects, and intricate china.

• Firing technique

  Soft porcelain is fired at lower temperatures than other hard ceramic types, specifically around 900 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. This firing range allows for greater flexibility, reducing the risk of warping or cracking during the production process.

• Translucency

  One of the most conspicuous features of soft porcelain is its translucency. When held up to light, the material appears thin and semi-transparent. It is most commonly made with bone china and paper porcelain. This feature makes it hugely attractive for decorative objects like lamps, vases, and dinnerware.

• Surface texture and finish

  Soft porcelain surface texture comes in range, some are glossy, other are matte, smooth, or polished after the objects undergo firing and glazing. The surface characteristics affect the visual appeal of the object and how it feels when one touches it. Soft porcelain is known for its velvety and ivory-like texture commonly used in fine porcelain.

Uses of Soft Porcelain

Soft porcelain has a wide application across many industries. These applications range from art and decoration to functional ware and medical equipment, valued for its aesthetic qualities and well-finished properties.

• Art and sculpture

  Soft porcelain figures and sculptures are valued for artists due to their ability to create intricate details and maintain fine features. The material was used by sculptors to create lifelike statues or small-scale works. The translucency of soft porcelain adds a unique dimension to the artwork, so when the piece comes to light, it creates a soft glow that adds to the beauty of the artwork.

• Tableware and dinnerware

  Porcelain like bone china and paper porcelain is widely used for making fine tableware. These materials are sturdy, non-porous, and chip-resistant, making them ideal for plates, bowls, and teacups that can be used daily. Moreover, the translucency of soft porcelain gives dinnerware an elegant appearance, raising the level of dining experience to a more luxurious ambiance.

• Architectural elements

  Soft porcelain has been used for many architectural elements such as tiles, doorknobs, and moldings. Soft porcelain is molded into complex shapes and maintains its integrity and beauty over time. Furthermore, the ability to glaze soft porcelain provides a variety of finishes and colors that enhance the interior and exterior design of residential and commercial buildings.

• Electrical insulators

  Soft porcelain electrical insulators are used in electrical transmission lines and equipment. Insulators must be made from materials that do not conduct electricity, withstand weathering, and have mechanical strength. Soft porcelain fulfills all these requirements due to its non-conductive nature and ability to bear high voltage.

• Medical applications

  Properties like strength, biocompatibility, and smooth finish of soft porcelain make it suitable for medical tools and implants. Soft porcelain is used to make items like dental crowns, bridges, and implants in the field of dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. It is used because it does not cause any reaction with body tissues and gives a natural-looking appearance.

How to Choose Soft Porcelain

Selecting soft porcelain depends on the intended use and personal preference. Several factors ensure that the right type is chosen for a specific type of project.

• Purpose and application

  The intended use of soft porcelain determines what should be chosen. Paper porcelain and bone china work best for fragile, decorative items. Harder varieties like parian porcelain are more suited for sculptures and functional wear that require strength and durability.

• Translucency and appearance

  Soft porcelain types differ in translucency from almost opaque parian to translucent bone china and paper porcelain. Translucent types are ideal for delicate pieces that come in a glowing appearance like light fixtures and decorative vases. Opaque types are more suitable for those that prefer a solid, matte-finished sculpture.

• Texture and surface finish

  The surface of soft porcelain can be glossy, smooth, or matt depending on the type. The finish must be considered based on aesthetics and functionality purposes. For instance, high-gloss finishes are more easily wipeable and are suitable for tableware in the food industry. Moreover, matte finishes provide a more natural and raw feel that is more appropriate for items meant for decoration.

• Color and glazing options

  Soft porcelain comes in different colors, depending on the type, ranging from pure white bone china to creamy parian. The color will significantly affect the overall design as much as glazing. Certain types allow a wide variety of glazing options, thus giving the buyer the chance to select the luster or sheen that fit their decor or design concept.

• Durability and functionality

  The durability of soft porcelain differs depending on the type and quality. In terms of functionality, types like bone china are more resistant to chipping and scratching, making them ideally suited for china and cookware.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between hard and soft porcelain?

A1. The two types of porcelain mainly differ in characteristics and their production process. Soft porcelain has a lower firing temperature and is more malleable than hard porcelain. It can produce intricate designs and thin-walled items effortlessly. Hard porcelain, on the other hand, is stronger, more durable, and non-translucent after firing.

Q2. Is soft porcelain food safe?

A2. Yes, certain soft porcelains like bone china are safer for food because they are non-porous, chip-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. Also, most undergo strict quality control standards before being categorized as safe for food use.

Q3. What are popular applications of soft porcelain?

A3. Soft porcelain is used widely today in the creation of decorative pieces like figurines and sculptures, fine dining wares like teacups and plates, architectural elements such as tiles and moldings, and even in medical applications like dental implants and crowns.

Q4. Can soft porcelain be used outdoors?

A4. Soft porcelain products should be protected from harsh weather elements of rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Otherwise, they are suitable for outdoor decorations or architectural elements.

Q5. How to care for soft porcelain items?

A5. Soft porcelain items must be handled with care. Regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth is recommended. Avoid abrasive sponges that might scratch the surface.