Introduction
In the production of sanitaryware, the glazing process directly determines the surface smoothness, wear resistance, and overall aesthetics of the product. With the continuous advancement of production techniques, glazing methods have primarily evolved into two distinct approaches: dry glazing and wet glazing. These methods exhibit significant differences in raw material processing, workflow, and application scenarios, each possessing unique advantages and limitations.
I. Process Flow Differences
1. Wet Glazing
The wet method is the traditional and most widely used approach. Its core involves grinding, sieving, and mixing glaze materials into a suspension (glaze slurry), which is then uniformly applied to the body via spraying, dipping, or pouring.
Characteristics: Fine glaze particles with excellent adhesion, suitable for complex-shaped products.
2. Dry Glazing
Dry glazing involves pre-drying and pulverizing glaze materials, then applying the powdered form to the body surface. Uniform distribution is achieved through pressing or electrostatic spraying.
Characteristics: Minimal hydration steps in production, facilitating automation and environmental sustainability.
II. Comparative Process Advantages
Wet Glazing Advantages
Excellent flowability of glaze slurry ensures thorough coverage of intricate structures and complex surfaces;
Tight bonding between body and glaze slurry yields superior density and adhesion;
Highly matured process with extensive equipment and operator expertise.
Dry Glazing Advantages
Minimal water consumption reduces drying and wastewater treatment stages, enhancing environmental compliance;
Enables precise control of glaze thickness, enhances spraying efficiency, and reduces glaze material waste;
Easily integrates with fully automated production lines, facilitating large-scale, standardized manufacturing.
III. Application Scenarios and Development Trends
Wet Glazing: Suitable for bathroom ceramics with complex shapes and frequent design variations, particularly high-end countertop basins and toilets demanding superior surface finish and density.
Dry Glazing: Better suited for large-scale, standardized production, with significant potential in green manufacturing and smart factories.
As environmental pressures and energy-saving demands increase, dry glazing holds greater future potential. Wet glazing will retain advantages for complex shapes and high-precision products. Both methods may evolve into complementary approaches through hybrid processes or zone-specific applications, balancing efficiency and quality.
Conclusion：Dry and wet glazing are not simple substitutes but rather technical choices tailored to different products and factory conditions. Wet glazing retains its edge on complex products due to its maturity and adaptability, while dry glazing is emerging as a key direction for the industry's green transformation, leveraging its energy-saving, eco-friendly, and automation advantages. For ceramic enterprises, understanding the differences between these two processes and making informed choices will be crucial for enhancing product quality and production competitiveness.