Material guide
We have compiled a list of the most common materials we use in our products. The aim is to help you, as a retailer, gain a better understanding of the materials and their properties, so that you can easily pass this information on to your customers.
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STONEWARE
Stoneware clay is usually used for making ceramics and has a higher proportion of quartz. The firing temperature is about 1200-1300C, depending on the location in the kiln, the colors may vary. In Sweden, earthenware clay was discovered in the 18th century, and is now only used by the few stoneware factories left in Skåne.
REACTIVE GLAZER
A reactive glaze gives a unique expression to each product. The reason why glaze is used on porcelain and earthenware is both aesthetic and functional; it gives the object a beautiful surface and makes it impervious to water, depending on what components the glaze has, it gives different colors. This is because the heat is around 1250C and the different components react differently to the heat.
TERRACOTTA
Terracotta is Italian for terra = earth, cotta = fired. Terracotta is thus a usually reddish-brown earthenware that is unglazed. The color depends on how much red, brown or yellow iron oxide there is in the clay. This means that the color can change in color. If the product is damp, it takes on a different shade. Terracotta is naturally resistant to mold, bacteria and insects.
CEMENT
Cement is a mixture of limestone and clay, together with water, the material is air-dried. To waterproof cement, a silicone is usually used. Keep in mind that cement should not be left outside over the winter, as it is a porous material and can crack if it absorbs water. Did you know that there were several cement factories in Sweden, including three cement factories in Skåne between 1873-1978.
GLASS
Glass has a melting temperature of around 1500C, but it is processed when the temperature is between 1050-1200C. Glass can be colored, sprayed or foiled.
Sprayed glass is glass that has been treated with a spray paint to achieve a specific colour or surface finish. The process involves spraying a thin layer of paint onto the surface of the glass to give it a specific colour or effect. The effect is usually only on the surface and does not change the structure of the glass itself, meaning that the glass remains transparent or semi-transparent, depending on the type of spray paint used. Note that sprayed glass is delicate and should be hand washed at 30 degrees maximum.
Foiled glass is glass that has had a special film applied to its surface. Decorative foils are often used to create patterns, colours, frosted or mirrored finishes.
DOLOMITE
Dolomite is a porous clay that is white. It is easier to get the right color of glazing because it is porous. Remember not to store dolomite products outside during winter.
POLYRESIN
Polyresin is a plastic that has the same character as ceramic and stone. Therefore, it is suitable for molding various shapes and figures. Keep in mind that polyresin is not frost-resistant.
RECYCLED WOOD
Recycled wood has natural cracks, color differences and irregularities, which makes each product unique and gives it its characteristic appearance. Climate differences, such as temperature and humidity, can cause changes in the wood, as it is a living material. This is completely natural and does not affect the function.
LINEN
Linen is a woven fabric made from plant fibers from flax, The fibers used in the production usually vary between 25 - 150 cm long, however, the flax fibers are only 12 -16 microns in diameter. Our flax has a living structure, where irregularities are more common than unusual. There may be some pulling in the fabric, which does not affect durability. You can remove these by stretching the fabric when it is damp. There may also be knots in linen, which are completely natural.
I hope you have learned something new and can pass this knowledge on to your customers.
Stoneware clay is usually used for making ceramics and has a higher proportion of quartz. The firing temperature is about 1200-1300C, depending on the location in the kiln, the colors may vary. In Sweden, earthenware clay was discovered in the 18th century, and is now only used by the few stoneware factories left in Skåne.
REACTIVE GLAZER
A reactive glaze gives a unique expression to each product. The reason why glaze is used on porcelain and earthenware is both aesthetic and functional; it gives the object a beautiful surface and makes it impervious to water, depending on what components the glaze has, it gives different colors. This is because the heat is around 1250C and the different components react differently to the heat.
TERRACOTTA
Terracotta is Italian for terra = earth, cotta = fired. Terracotta is thus a usually reddish-brown earthenware that is unglazed. The color depends on how much red, brown or yellow iron oxide there is in the clay. This means that the color can change in color. If the product is damp, it takes on a different shade. Terracotta is naturally resistant to mold, bacteria and insects.
CEMENT
Cement is a mixture of limestone and clay, together with water, the material is air-dried. To waterproof cement, a silicone is usually used. Keep in mind that cement should not be left outside over the winter, as it is a porous material and can crack if it absorbs water. Did you know that there were several cement factories in Sweden, including three cement factories in Skåne between 1873-1978.
GLASS
Glass has a melting temperature of around 1500C, but it is processed when the temperature is between 1050-1200C. Glass can be colored, sprayed or foiled.
Sprayed glass is glass that has been treated with a spray paint to achieve a specific colour or surface finish. The process involves spraying a thin layer of paint onto the surface of the glass to give it a specific colour or effect. The effect is usually only on the surface and does not change the structure of the glass itself, meaning that the glass remains transparent or semi-transparent, depending on the type of spray paint used. Note that sprayed glass is delicate and should be hand washed at 30 degrees maximum.
Foiled glass is glass that has had a special film applied to its surface. Decorative foils are often used to create patterns, colours, frosted or mirrored finishes.
DOLOMITE
Dolomite is a porous clay that is white. It is easier to get the right color of glazing because it is porous. Remember not to store dolomite products outside during winter.
POLYRESIN
Polyresin is a plastic that has the same character as ceramic and stone. Therefore, it is suitable for molding various shapes and figures. Keep in mind that polyresin is not frost-resistant.
RECYCLED WOOD
Recycled wood has natural cracks, color differences and irregularities, which makes each product unique and gives it its characteristic appearance. Climate differences, such as temperature and humidity, can cause changes in the wood, as it is a living material. This is completely natural and does not affect the function.
LINEN
Linen is a woven fabric made from plant fibers from flax, The fibers used in the production usually vary between 25 - 150 cm long, however, the flax fibers are only 12 -16 microns in diameter. Our flax has a living structure, where irregularities are more common than unusual. There may be some pulling in the fabric, which does not affect durability. You can remove these by stretching the fabric when it is damp. There may also be knots in linen, which are completely natural.
I hope you have learned something new and can pass this knowledge on to your customers.