Focus on Decoration - Vidres: the appeal of natural acicular crystals

The latest glaze from Vidres offers the appeal of natural acicular crystals. This new and innovative glaze was developed through research conducted in recent years and won the Spanish company the prestigious Alfa de Oro award at Cevisama 2008.

The crystals are produced from natural oxides in an industrial porcelain tile firing cycle. Acicular crystals are formed from a fluxing, viscous glaze that reacts at a very low firing temperature. The colour is changed by adding natural oxides such as cobalt, manganese and copper oxides. Once formed, the crystals have a wolfram base and make for a lead-free glaze composition. This is important in terms of both environment and safety and allows operators to work on the glazing line without the risks associated with the presence of toxic substances.

The aesthetic qualities of acicular crystals also allow for novel decorative details. The luminescent, glitter effects are obtained by means of crystalline variations and various natural colours according to crystallisation and the design used. This new product delivers numerous advantages including homogeneity, stability and consistency and allows for ease of use in the production process. It adapts readily to the decoration techniques and the firing cycles normally adopted in the ceramic sector.

Focus on Glazing & Decoratio_ CWR 76 April/May 2008