How Safe Is Vitreous Enamel? (Very and here’s why!)

As the sister company of A.J Wells, the UK’s vitreous enamel experts with 50 years of manufacturing experience, we are well placed to discuss vitreous enamel’s excellent safety profile.

Vitreous enamel is a safe non-toxic coating and the optimum material for a variety of uses. It offers superior heat resistance and is used in areas where fire safety is paramount. It is non-porous which makes it more hygienic and easier to clean and well suited to kitchen and bathroom environments.

Read on to get all the details on why vitreous enamel is so remarkably safe!

1/ A vitreous enamel coating is fire safe

Vitreous enamel surfaces are fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 800°C which results in an extremely heat and fire-resistant surface. It is primarily for this reason that vitreous enamel is selected as the material of choice in areas where fire safety is of greater concern such as throughout the London Underground.
Vlaze make Wood-Burning Heat Shields and heat-resistant splashbacks, which also benefit greatly from vitreous enamel’s inherent heat resistant qualities. They protect combustible surfaces from the high amounts of heat generated from fires and cookers, protecting your home and keeping your family safe.

2/ Vitreous enamel is a safe non-toxic material and fully recyclable

Vitreous enamel is also an extremely stable and safe material for a wide variety of uses, unlike others such as PVC which can release traces of toxic chlorine gas over time. The compounds and oxides used to make vitreous enamel are all naturally derived. Our spray enamels are all water-based, while our print enamels are natural pine oil-based – not petroleum. This means vitreous enamel can be recycled at the end of its long life.

3/ A vitreous enamel coating is a safe and hygienic surface

Vitreous enamel coatings are made by fusing powdered glass into a substrate at extremely high temperatures. This process melts the powder which hardens to a smooth, durable, vitreous coating that is non-porous. This helps eliminate the absorption of dirt, moulds, bacteria etc. It’s also extraordinarily easy to clean and maintain – with just an intermittent wipe of a damp cloth with a product such as Astonish cleaning spray required. As a result, Vlaze is frequently requested in both the home and professional hospitality settings.

4/ Vitreous enamel is tried and tested with a long history

Vitreous enamel has stood the test of time having been used for centuries, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens for its heat resistant and hygienic qualities. Consumer objects, including kitchen sinks and cooking vessels, have been coated in vitreous enamel since the 18th Century. This process continues to this day, and there are a number of brands most of us recognise, including those favourite wedding list staples, Le Creuset cookware and the unmistakable ice-white and blue-rimmed Falcon enamelware.

Generations have benefitted from the wonder that is a vitreous enamel coating. Its safety profile and versatility are remarkable, and people continue to innovate new and ingenious uses to this day. It is simply unrivalled in its ability to marry, functionality, durability, safety, and beauty. For this reason, this amazing material will continue to be used long into the future for a wide range of applications.
If you would like to get your hands on this wonder material we now offer a range of 90x90mm coaster samples. All made from the same luxurious Vlaze finishes used across our product range. You can get them here.