Can I Repolish a Porcelain Glaze?

Before Polishing

• Unlike factory glaze, porcelain glaze is removable. Before polishing glazed porcelain, read the manufacturer's directions on the label of the product to determine if you must first remove any pre-existing glaze. You may need to remove the glaze if imperfections are sealed under the glaze such as dirt that counter the effects of the polish. To remove porcelain glaze, soak a clean white cloth directly proportional to the size of the area to be cleaned in pure ammonia. Wring out the cloth, lay the cloth on the area and peel off the cloth after several minutes using a clean cloth for each application.

Polishing

• Unlike glazing that adds a shine on top of decorated porcelain, polishing is a process that pulls the natural color and design out of the porcelain, making it more apparent to the viewer. When re-polishing a porcelain glazed object, you should know that polishing is a process that opens up some of the pores in the porcelain. As a result, it can make the porcelain more susceptible to stains. Applying multiple layers of glaze after polishing reduces staining and seals the shine that re-polishing brings out in the porcelain.

After Polishing

• Like factory-glazed porcelain, maintaining a polished finish on porcelain-glazed objects is very easy and inexpensive. Frequently clean the porcelain object using a feather duster to remove surface dust. A mild soap-and-water solution applied to the object thoroughly cleans a re-polished porcelain-glazed item from grime or soil buildup. Experts do not recommend that you submerge porcelain-glazed objects in water or other cleansing solutions as it may affect the sealant on the glaze.

Warning

• Unlike factory glazing, porcelain glazing is easily removed. Washing porcelain glazing frequently can cause damage to the glaze. In addition, unlike factory glazing, porcelain glazing is for decorative items only and cannot be used for food preparation or serving.