How to Put Images on Ceramic Tile
Permanently capturing a photographic image on a ceramic tile offers a unique way to save and display your treasured memories. While matting and/or framing is the traditional way to display photographs, placing an image on a tile offers additional display options such as permanently affixing it to a wall or within a floor mosaic. Putting an image on ceramic tile is not a difficult process, but it requires a bit of practice to get just the right look.
Things You'll Need
- Photographic image
- Ceramic tile
- Turpentine
- Paint brush
- Lazertran Waterslide decal paper for an ink jet printer
- Container that will fit the print size
- Water
- Rolling pin
- Varnish
Instructions
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1
Select and size the image using a photo editing program on your computer.
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2
Print the photograph onto the eggshell side of Lazertran Waterslide decal paper. The eggshell surface has a chalky appearance.
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3
Allow the image to dry on the decal paper for at least 30 minutes. After it has dried, it will be permanent and will not run when placed in water.
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4
Trim the image to refine its size and shape if necessary.
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5
Soak the image in a large container of water. The decal will begin to release from the backing after minute or two and curl up.
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6
Brush the ceramic tile with turpentine so it is completely covered, yet not overly wet.
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7
Remove the image from the water and take it off the paper backing.
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8
Place the image on the tile in the desired position.
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9
Roll the image with a rolling pin starting at the center and moving toward the edges to remove any air bubbles.
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10
Allow the image to dry for several hours or overnight.
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11
Apply a coat of varnish over the dried image to permanently seal it to the tile. Allow the varnish to dry completely and apply a second coat.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful not to fold the image onto itself when placing it on the tile so that it does not stick together and ruin the project.
