ZenithCeramic
Factory-direct ceramic OEM/ODM and wholesale from Dehua, China.
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Drinkware & Jars
Home & Garden Decor
Seasonal & DIY
Materials & Craft Resource
The clay body you choose decides breakage rates, microwave safety and unit cost – before a single glaze is applied. This guide explains the four bodies we produce in, how they compare, and which one fits your product line.
Clay Bodies
Different products demand different bodies. Here is how we describe each one on our production floor – firing behavior, water absorption, microwave suitability and what each does best.
Similar to bone china but less translucent, because it contains no bone ash. Fine, bright and dependable for daily use.
The strongest of the four bodies. Once vitrified it is non-porous, and it costs less than bone china and porcelain.
The most economical family, fired at low temperatures, so water absorption is higher. Beautiful paintings are easily done on them – ironstone and dolomite are its two quality variations.
Fired but left unglazed and unpainted – an absorbent, matte canvas made for DIY painting, craft kits and classroom programs.
Citable Comparison
One table for your sourcing spreadsheet: firing level, water absorption, microwave suitability, typical products, best fit and relative cost.
| Material | Firing | Water absorption | Microwave suitability | Typical products | Best for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | High-fired (highest of the four) | 0-1% | Yes – microwave & conventional oven | White candle vessels, jewelry dishes, fine mugs | Drinkware & candle jars with a premium feel | Medium |
| Stoneware | Mid-to-high fired | Non-porous when vitrified | Yes | 11oz-16oz printed mugs, travel mugs, durable drinkware | Everyday drinkware & hard-wearing lines | Medium-low |
| Earthenware | Low-fired | Higher than porcelain & stoneware | Depends on glaze – confirm with us | Hand-painted planters, decor, seasonal figurines | Decorative & outdoor lines, hand-painted artwork | Low |
| Dolomite | Low-fired (earthenware family) | Higher – glaze-sealed | Depends on glaze – confirm with us | Decorative jars, hand-decorated pieces | Cost-sensitive decorative ranges | Low |
| Bisque | Once-fired, left unglazed | Absorbent (unglazed) | Not intended | Piggy bank kits, unpainted ornaments, DIY figures | DIY painting, craft kits, classroom programs | Low |
Firing levels are qualitative: exact temperatures and absorption values vary by clay recipe. Share your product specs and we will confirm exact figures and available test reports during sampling – free samples are available, with sampling taking 12-15 days.
Application Guide
Four questions we answer every week. Start from your product, not from the material – here is our standard recommendation for each line.
Both bodies are microwave suitable, which everyday drinkware has to be. Stoneware gives you the strongest body at a lower cost; porcelain gives a finer, brighter finish for premium sets. Custom prints work on both via decal or UV painting.
Explore custom ceramic mugs →Thick-walled porcelain or stoneware is the mainstream choice for candle containers, paired with wooden, bamboo or gold lids. The exact body depends on your wax type and capacity – send us your specs and we will recommend one. Exact heat-resistance values are confirmed per project.
Explore ceramic candle jars →Earthenware is the economical pick for decorative planters: low-fired, easy to shape, and ideal for hand-painted or speckled finishes. Glazing seals the surface. For freeze-thaw behavior in outdoor markets, talk to us about your climate before ordering.
Explore ceramic pots →Unglazed bisque is the standard canvas for paint-your-own programs: piggy banks, ornaments, unicorns, seasonal houses. The absorbent surface takes acrylic and craft paints directly – a proven line for craft retail chains.
Explore bisque pottery →
Ceramic Mugsstoneware · porcelain
Pots & Plantersglazed earthenware
Ceramic Vasesporcelain · stoneware
Candle Jarsthick-walled bodies
Bisque Potteryunglazed DIY
Cookie Jarshand-painted bodies
All ProductsOEM designs across all lines
More category guides: ceramic figurines · ceramic coasters, seasonal decorations – or read buying guides on our blog and see how we support you on the OEM service page.
Surface Finishes
The clay body sets the skeleton; the surface finish sets the look. These are the eleven finishes we run in production – each one available for customization on your design.
Glossy, sealed glaze – the classic ceramic surface, easy to clean and food-ready when glazed for food use.
See glazed candle jarsSoft, non-reflective finish that reads premium on mugs and jars; pairs well with gold accents.
See matte mugsBrushed-on color and detail, piece by piece – the signature look of our cartoon cookie jars and seasonal lines.
See hand-painted cookie jarsPrinted transfers fired onto the body for durable, repeatable artwork and logos – standard on printed 11oz mugs.
See decal-printed mugsUV-cured printing for sharp custom graphics and short-run branding on finished pieces.
Ask about UV printingMetallic mirror effect – gold, chrome and tinted finishes on figurines and accent pieces.
See electroplated figurinesRaised patterns pressed into the body before firing – texture you can feel, often paired with matte white glaze.
See embossed candle jarsFlecked glaze with a rustic, artisan character – popular on candle jars and coffee mugs.
See speckle jarsVelvet-touch fiber coating for soft, tactile seasonal figurines – a holiday favorite.
See flocked seasonal decorRaw fired clay left unpainted – the DIY canvas for craft painting programs.
See bisque potteryFood Contact & Compliance
Material choice and compliance are one decision, not two. Here is what the EU framework expects from ceramic food-contact items – and how we support your testing.
FAQ
The five questions we answer most often during sourcing conversations.
Porcelain has a water absorption rate of 0-1%, is microwave and oven safe, and has a finer finish. Stoneware is the strongest ceramic body, non-porous when vitrified, and more affordable. Both work well for mugs, drinkware and candle jars.
0 to 1%. Low absorption makes porcelain resistant to staining and suitable for microwave and conventional oven use.
Yes. Porcelain is suitable for microwave and conventional oven use. It contains no bone ash, so it looks similar to bone china while being a practical choice for everyday lines.
Dolomite belongs to the earthenware family, alongside ironstone. It is fired at low temperatures, which makes it ideal for hand-painted decorative pieces and planters. For food contact, dolomite articles must be glazed.
Thick-walled porcelain or stoneware is the mainstream choice, usually paired with wooden, bamboo or gold lids. The exact choice depends on your wax type and capacity – share your specs and we will recommend a body. See our ceramic candle jar line for starting points.
Send your product idea, target market and quantity. Our team replies within 24 hours with a material recommendation, finish options and sampling plan. MOQ starts around 1,000 pcs, with free samples available on express.
Prefer to learn first? Read our buying guides on the blog or see our full OEM service.