How to Make a Tile Message Board

If you enjoy making crafts for yourself or as gifts for others, you will enjoy making a tile message board. They're easy to make out of any size or shape of smooth ceramic tile. Personalize it with a message or picture, and change it anytime you want with dry-erase markers that come in lots of different colors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Smooth ceramic tile
• Surface conditioner
• Permanent enamel paint
• Sponge
• Paint brushes
• Dry-erase markers
• Paper towels
• Alcohol swab or alcohol
• Painting palette or paper plate
• Plate stand

1. Clean the tile surface with a damp sponge or cloth, then apply a coat of tile surface conditioner, which is available at local craft stores. The conditioner prepares the tile surface so paint will adhere to it; just make sure to give the tile conditioner plenty of time to dry.

2. Cut out a design of your choice on a dry sponge, and then dip the cutout design into water to expand the sponge.

3. Squeeze excess water out of the sponge onto a paper towel.

4. Dab the sponge into the paint color of your choice, and press the sponge onto the tile in different places to make the border design.

5. Paint decorative wavy lines, dots or designs on the tile, but leave the center area empty. Allow plenty of time for the paint to dry.

6. Use a paper towel dampened with alcohol or an alcohol swab to clean the conditioner off of the center of the tile.

7. Write a message of your choice or draw a picture with dry-erase markers in the center of the tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Tile conditioners and paints, such as Delta Air-Dry Perm Enamel Surface Conditioner and Paints, are available at most craft stores.
• The surface conditioner should be compatible with your paint. If you're unable to find the same brand tile conditioner as the paint you're using, read the conditioner label to make sure it will work with the type of paint that you have.
• These tile message boards can be displayed on a plate stand.
• The entire tile can be washed with soap and water after 10 days.
• When working with certain types of paint, such as a permanent enamel air-dry paint, the sponges and brushes must be dry. Check your paint to make sure of the proper application process.

Resources

• Visit this site for other great craft ideas.