How to Make Ceramic Tiles
Making your own ceramic tiles is super easy, and even better, anyone can do it! Whether you are making gifts or tiles for your own home, it is easy to get started. All you need is clay, a rolling pin and a dull serrated knife if you are creating gifts, while home décor tiles require a pottery kiln.
- Choose a color of the clay. If you are making gift tiles, polymer clay is acceptable. If you are making home tiles, you will need potter’s clay. It comes in a variety of colors, like white, gray, brown and red. You can also use a glaze to color the clay.
- Choose a large flat surface to work with that is easy to clean. Put your tools close by and a bowl of warm water to keep near your fingertips.
- Using a handful of clay approximate to size tile you want, begin kneading until the clay is pliable and soft.
- Roll the clay out with a rolling pin to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Outdoor tiles should be 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
- Use a knife and cut out the size and shape tile that you want. If you are making square tiles, use a ruler to keep your lines straight and to keep your tiles uniform in size as well.
- Use a potter’s cut-off needle or other pointed tool to etch any designs in the tiles.
- Fire in a kiln at the correct temperature if you are making tiles for the home. Decorative polymer tiles can be fired in the oven.