| Decorative Tiles |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-107 |
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Q: I have some boring white tile in my bathroom but don't want to rip it out. Any idea how to make it look different?
A: (Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) You do not have to rip out your tile. You can paint right over it. Here's what you do: Materials:
Tile
Tile conditioner
Stencils
Stencil adhesive
Paint for ceramics
Paint sealer
- Use tile conditioner (figure A) to prep and clean the tile.
- Spray one side of the stencil with an even coat of stencil adhesive and then press the stencil firmly on the center of the tile (figure B). Make sure it's securely attached, or paint will run out below the stencil.
Safety alert: Work in a well-ventilated area when you use any of the tile products or spray adhesive. - Paint in the sections of the stencil. First dip the brush in the ceramic paint, then dab any excess off on a paper towel. You want the brush to be almost dry. Then stipple the paint around the edges of the stencil design before filling in the center (figure C). Let each coat dry before switching colors and before removing the stencil. Then use sealer so your paint won't fade.
You can also decorate tiles with tile transfers that you can buy at most craft stores (figure D). The process is pretty simple. First peel the transfer from its backing, and then press it firmly on the tile (figure E). Scrape over the surface with a wooden tongue depressor to get all the air bubbles out. When it dries, you can use a soft mild detergent to clean it up. Another option is stamps. Just paint ceramic paint onto the stamp of your choice (figure F) and then press the stamp to the tile top. Instant pattern! Keep the paint from fading by using a surface sealer. Decoupage is another idea to consider. Buy wonderful handmade paper at an art store, or use patterns from gift-wrap, greeting cards or even your child's artwork. Use a decoupage medium to attach your graphics, maybe glaze over it and then finish it with a coat of polyurethane. More questions for Nancy:
Q: How can I paint my tile to match patterns in my decor?
A: Trace a small detail from those patterns onto tracing paper and then put the tracing paper under stenciling acetate and cut the design from the acetate. That will give you a pattern for stenciling tile. My only warning is unless you're a fabulous artist, just choose a simple design or a single detail, like a piece of fruit.
Q: After my tile is painted, how do I clean it?
A: Carefully! You can't use anything abrasive on tile. Just use soap and water.
Q: Is there anything special to consider when painting tile?
A: Don't paint tiles that sit in a high traffic area. Instead, decorate tiles in an area such as a backsplash that won't get a lot of food spills or scrubbing. Web site resources for decorative tile: Designer Ceramic Tiles from HGTV.com Homemade Decorating Tiles from HGTV.com Wall Tile Ceramic Decals Decorative Tile-Making Demonstration Painted Tiles Add Value to Home Valentine Heart Tile from Home School Zone.com Self-Adhesive Ceramic Tiles A Tile Style Web Site Books:
Homemade Tiles: Designing, Making, Decorating
By Frank Giorgini
Lark Books (1994)
50 College St.
Asheville, NC 28801
Customer Service Phone: 800-284-3388
E-mail: customerservice@ larkbooks.com The Tile Decorating Book
By Marion Elliott
Lorenz Books (1997)
27 West 20th St.
New York, NY 10011
Toll Free Phone: 800-354-9657
Fax: 212-8007-6813
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