Ceramic Stains : Inorganic Pigments For Ceramic Tiles
Beautiful uniform rich colors that simulate fired hues are the secret to attractive ceramics. This is achieved by using Ceramic stains which are essentially inorganic pigments, ceramic oxides and metal oxides that are powdered to a specific mesh size or are acid washed or molten in kilns and then colored using standard organic dyeing materials. They are then sintered at high temperatures in special furnaces. Stains are a more refined version of the binary oxides.
Inorganic pigments are metals, their salts and minerals and do not contain Carbon or its chains. They are metal oxides with complex inorganic structures containing transition elements that are produced by means of a controlled calcination process at high temperatures. Thermal stability, resistance and appropriate particle size provide our pigments with high colour intensity. Their easy dispersion makes them optimal for any type of colouration.
Ceramic Stains contain matrix with colouring agent in it. The colour is formed due to dispersion of colouring agent/crystals in the glass/glaze matrix .The matrix of ceramic stain embeds the colouring agent and ensures optimum interaction with the incoming light to get the desired colour/shade in the final product. The colour providing substance has to be temperature resistant and also chemically inert in the glaze/glass melt.
Ceramic Stain Manufacturers in India: Industrial Product and Natural Resources (IPNR) are India’s apex ceramic stain manufacturers. They manufacture Ceramic Stains (for body and glaze) apart from other associated products like frits and minerals. They manufacture pigments that are stable, homogenous and high performance. The stains are available based on Type andIndustry. The site provides color charts with Chemical composition and along with prices and tentative shade that will be achieved.
Ceramic stain manufacturers and suppliers are available at various multi supplier platforms (websites) where a range of listed products are available.
However, these stains do not come with unconditional stain guarantee and there can be an expectation vs reality gap in the color requirement. The supplier uses a combination of oxide systems to achieve the specified color. The buyer needs to analyze the exact glaze chemistry, end use, firing temperature to zero down on an experienced service provider with good customer support and service. This is needed to resolve any issues with color discrepancies. This is needed primarily by the small producers or amateurs who need active hand holding unlike huge industrial producers which hire trained consultants or have in- house aid.
CONCLUSION:
The joy of enjoying the art of ceramic is available not only to industrial ceramic producers but also first timers dabbling in pottery and fascinated by the colored world of exquisite glazes and stains. The products along with instructions of use are easily available for every scale of production.