Care

 

Your hand-painted Portuguese faience is crafted to last for generations. With proper care, it will remain vibrant, beautiful, and functional for years to come.

DISHWASHER & HAND WASHING

All Continental Lab ceramics are dishwasher-safe. However, we recommend gentle hand-washing to preserve the colors and glaze for the longest lifespan.

Hand-washing instructions:

  • Use warm water and mild dish soap
  • Use a soft sponge or cloth (no abrasive scrubbers)
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft towel

If using a dishwasher:

  • Place items on the top rack
  • Avoid high-temperature settings
  • Use a gentle cycle when possible
WHAT TO AVOID

To protect the hand-painted details and glazed finish:

  • ❌ Abrasive scrubbers (steel wool, rough sponges) — these can scratch the glaze
  • ❌ Harsh chemicals (bleach, strong detergents) — stick to mild dish soap
  • ❌ Extreme temperature changes — avoid placing hot ceramics directly into cold water
  • ❌ Microwave misuse — while our ceramics are microwave-safe, avoid overheating or using pieces with metallic accents
STORAGE & HANDLING

Storage tips:

  • Store plates and bowls with soft padding between pieces to prevent chipping
  • Display decorative pieces in a secure location away from edges
  • Avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate ceramics

Handling tips:

  • Handle with care — each piece is artisan-made and unique
  • Use both hands when moving larger pieces (serving trays, wall plates)
  • Avoid dropping or knocking against hard surfaces
FOOD SAFETY

Continental Lab ceramics marked as "food-safe" are safe for serving and eating.

  • ✅ Safe for: Hot and cold food, beverages, serving
  • ✅ Microwave-safe: Most pieces (check product description)
  • ✅ Dishwasher-safe: All pieces
  • ✅ Lead-free glaze: Meets EU safety standards

Note: Decorative items (wall plates, figurines) are not intended for food use.

NATURAL VARIATIONS

Each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted, which means:

  • Natural variations in brushwork, color, and glaze are part of the charm
  • Your piece is one-of-a-kind and may have slight differences from photos
  • Small imperfections are a hallmark of authentic artisan pottery, not defects

These characteristics make your ceramic unique and valuable.

LONGEVITY TIPS

With proper care, your Portuguese faience will last for decades:

  • Inspect regularly for chips or cracks (especially after moving or storage)
  • Repair promptly if minor damage occurs (contact us for recommendations)
  • Rotate use if you have multiple pieces to distribute wear evenly
  • Display with pride — these pieces are made to be enjoyed daily
QUESTIONS ABOUT CARE?

If you have specific questions about caring for your Continental Lab ceramics, we're here to help:

Email: info@continentalab.com
Response time: Within 24-48 hours

Thank you for choosing Continental Lab. With love and care, your handcrafted piece will bring beauty to your home for generations.