Why Final Luster Defines Great Ceramics

The art of ceramics in micro-finishing often comes down to the final luster. I have been really pleased with the self-leveling glaze from Ivoclar called Ceram Art Magic Glaze. It has been phenomenal in the way it allows us to preserve micro-surface texture in ceramic, and even in cases with zirconia. We can place that texture in before sintering, then apply the Ceram Art, and it will respect the micro-surface texture rather than fill in the concavities or fine grooves, whether those are perikymata, imbrication lines, or vertical micro-texture lines. That self-leveling glaze leaves a very beautiful finish while still maintaining the character we worked to create.

As with most glazes, the luster can sometimes be a little shinier than what we naturally see on a tooth. The secret sauce for the final luster, for me, is Diashine. This is a diamond polishing paste, and I like to use either the medium or the coarse. With a medium to stiff Robinson brush, it is a very quick and effective way to create that final luster, tone the surface down just a bit, and make the restoration look more natural.

This is the art of ceramics. It is a craft I truly enjoy. I am always wanting to improve my applications and continue getting closer to nature. I will leave the Diashine link below.

Diashine Polishing Pasted Option: https://diashinepolish.com