What is the process of glazing and firing porcelain, and what does it achieve?

• A. Applying glaze and firing to adjust shade and final glaze color.
• B. Sanding porcelain prior to firing to smooth the surface.
• C. Submerging in water to seal porosities.
• D. Applying glaze and firing to seal porosities and create a lustrous surface with improved stain resistance.

Answer: (D)

Glazing and firing porcelain involves applying a glaze to the surface and then heating it in a kiln until the glaze fuses with the porcelain. This creates a glassy, sealed layer that fills microscopic porosities, producing a smooth, shiny surface. The sealed surface resists staining and wear, improves durability, and enhances esthetics with a lustrous finish. While smoothing the surface before glazing can be part of the process and glaze color can affect shade, the key outcome of glazing and firing is the sealed, glossy, stain-resistant surface. Submerging in water does not achieve the porosity sealing or gloss that firing-glazed porcelain provides.