Are Red & Orange Mugs More Expensive?

Ceramic mugs can be found in nearly every household, but not all mugs are made equal. Each glaze color contains a unique blend of chemicals which must be baked at certain temperatures. Some colors, like white or pastel, are simpler and even cheaper to make than bolder colors like red and orange.

The real reason red and orange mugs are more expensive isn't because you're getting scammed, it has to do with history and science! It might not seem fair that avid coffee and tea drinkers must pay more for the right color ceramic mug they want, but there is a more involved process when creating red and orange glazes.

Red and orange glazes can be more expensive because the process involved to create them is more intensive compared to other colors. The chemicals used to create both glazes requires careful measurement, while the firing process involves closely monitoring temperature.

Whether you're planning to glaze your own mugs or purchasing an item that is already finished, knowing these tips about the glazing process is important. It could save you from purchasing the wrong type of glaze, or it can help you better understand how a finished mug came got its color!

Red Glazes

Red glaze is more expensive because the chemicals needed to make it are pricier than those needed to make other colors. Any small change in the ingredients can create brown, dull, or even green colors!

In addition to the glaze mixture, firing red glazes can be equally as touchy. Red glaze needs extra oxygen, so a loosely loaded kiln is required, and less mugs can be fired at once. For the brightest red colors, experts recommend firing for 4 hours at 1,828°F. The image to the right shows what can happen when a red glaze isn't fired correctly!

Orange Glazes

Similar to red glaze, orange glaze is expensive because it is finicky when it comes to ingredients. This color requires extra labor compared to other glazes. Orange glazes are notorious for turning out brown, and it can be challenging to get a vibrant color.

When firing orange glazes, the ideal temperature is around 1,915°F. The chart above that shows a ceramic item fired at the same temperature, but with different recipes for orange glaze. You can see how drastically the color changes with small chemical changes in the oxides present. The darker shades have more oxides.

While you'll never have to worry about toxic glazes with Quality Logo Products^®, there are several tests that are used to determine if a piece of ceramic is dinnerware safe before it is sold in stores and online.

No need to worry, in addition to the tests for dinnerware safety, lawmakers have also passed additional laws and regulations against harmful materials in ceramic glazes. For example, California passed a law called Prop 65 that requires specific labeling on items that may contain and of the elements the California Air Resources Board consider a potential toxin. Every product from Quality Logo Products^® has been tested for quality assurance and meets every federal and state requirement.

The Bottom Line

In order to achieve the perfect red or orange, the right chemical mixture and firing temperatures are required. Next time you see a perfectly vibrant mug, appreciate the time and precision that went into creating it!

Gianna Patan

gpatan@qualitylogoproducts.com

866-312-5646

Gianna is no stranger to promo products. Her background in research-based writing, linguistics, and advertising gives her an edge in blogging about the marketing industry.

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Why Are Red and Orange Mugs More Expensive?

Red Glazes

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The Bottom Line

Gianna Patan