So, you’ve decided to order a set of custom coffee mugs to spread the word about your business or to promote your cause. The choice can feel daunting because there’s a wide selection of pottery providers out there and a host of different mug materials and styles to choose from.
It may be tempting to jump on the first or cheapest option you come across, but doing some research and careful deliberation will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. The last thing you want is to give your customers or supporters a negative impression of your brand by sending them home with a logo that will flake off before too long.
Mug Pottery Types
One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make when ordering custom mugs is choosing between earthenware and stoneware products.
Stoneware and earthenware are two common forms of pottery, along others you might be familiar with like porcelain and bone china, and each utilizes different types of clay and a unique preparation process.
Believe it or not, there are significant quality differences between the two that you need to be aware of before placing an order. Here at Grey Fox Pottery, we’re fully dedicated to providing you with all the tools you need to choose the right pottery products.
So for this post, we’ll be discussing the key differences between stoneware and earthenware to help you determine which type is best for your needs and budget.
What Is Earthenware?
Earthenware and stoneware start out as basically the same product molded from the same or similar type of clay. But,
earthenware is pottery that hasn’t been fired to the point of vitrification (the transformation of a substance into glass). Earthenware products are only fired to around 1922 °F, so they’re slightly porous when first fired. In order to make them waterproof and food-safe, earthenware pottery must be glazed or have a slip (a special liquid clay mixture) applied.
Earthenware is commonly used as modern household dinnerware because it’s cheap and simple to make compared with other forms of pottery. Regrettably, it’s also significantly less sturdy and durable than stoneware. Earthenware is weak and can easily chip and break, particularly if it isn’t strengthened with glaze or slip.
Despite its flaws, this material can be a good choice for your coffee mugs if you need to save a little cash and aren’t ready to invest in something stronger. It’s worth keeping in mind replacement cost if you’re stocking your own coffee shop for in-house use when you choose to go with the less expensive initial choice.
What Is Stoneware?
Stoneware is fired at a significantly higher temperature than earthenware, generally around 2370 °F. This high temperature firing causes the clay to vitrify, which turns the material into glass and makes the product impervious to liquids even without glaze or the application of slip.
However, glaze can still be applied to stoneware for decorative effect. Grey Fox Pottery offers a dizzying range of glaze colors and combinations to amplify the message and personality of your brand.
Stoneware is less commonly used than earthenware, but it’s much stronger and more resistant to chipping. In fact, this form of pottery is so tough that it can resist scratches from steel tools. Stoneware coffee mugs are a fantastic option for buyers who want a product that will last several years. They cost slightly more than earthenware mugs, but the overall quality supports the investment.
Choose Stoneware for Quality Custom Mugs
One of the biggest perks of choosing stoneware over earthenware is that it allows you to choose handmade mugs because
you know they’ll last. There are some nice looking custom earthenware cups and mugs out there, but their inferior quality means that they’re much more prone to shattering or chipping.
Handmade stoneware mugs combine eye-catching designs with durability and longevity. If you do elect to order custom mugs for your kitchen, brand or business, make sure you find a pottery company that can perfectly create or replicate a design that you’ll love to ensure a satisfying return on your investment.
Grey Fox Pottery: 100% American-Made Stoneware Coffee Mugs
Grey Fox Pottery provides handmade stoneware mugs made by our exceptionally talented team of American artisans working in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These experts have mastered the art of showcasing company logos and artwork by using a signature Ceramic Scrimshaw process to carve precision details into each quality mug we craft without compromising its structure or integrity.
Once the mug is fired, your logo becomes part of the stoneware, and won’t peel away. All you need to do is send us a copy of your black-and-white artwork, and we’ll take care of everything else. Our artists take pride in their work because they know they’re creating something exceptional that will set your organization apart. You can feel good about supporting local artisans and an American small business when you work with us.
Custom Designed Mugs With a Low Order Minimum
Grey Fox Pottery offers a variety of glazes and colors for our custom mugs, including standard single colors or two-tone combination finishes for a more artistic look. Construct a perfect one-of-a-kind look for your mugs using our massive selection of gorgeous glaze colors.
Can’t decide on just one? No problem. You can make as many orders as you’d like. Take advantage of our small minimum order (48 pieces) to experiment with colors or to create custom looks for each season or event at your coffee shop, brewery, or organization.
Order Quality Stoneware Mugs Today
When you work with Grey Fox Pottery, making wholesale orders is simple and easy. Contact us today to find out more or to get started on your custom stoneware design.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page if you want to see more of our cool pottery pieces.