Backsplash Tile Mural
Creating your Own Paper-faced Tile Designs
by Gary Piscopo
When you're planning a renovation or craft project, you want to use tiles that offer the colors and patterns you absolutely love. If you've been searching and just can't find the "perfect" tiles, you'll be relieved to know you can create your own tile 00004000 designs simply by using a mosaic tile grid. Want a new pattern? Wish you could blend your own colors? Need a customized mosaic picture? Here's the easy way to get exactly what you want.
The materials you'll need for this project include:
Glass Tiles - I like Giorbello Classic Tesserae, Atlantis, Urban Collection, Summer Clouds, Gold Leaf or any other 20mm x 20mm x 4mm glass tiles which fit into your tile grids.
Tile Grid(s) - (for 20mm x 20mm tiles)
Craft Paper
Wallpaper Paste
Inexpensive Paint Brush (approximately 2a)
Small Paint Roller
Bucket and Paint Mixing Stick
Step 1: Prepare Your Tiles
After having chosen your tile design and colors, separate your tiles into loose pieces (if they are paper face mounted just soak them in warm water - if they are mesh mounted soak them in warm water and use a scrub brush to remove any residual glue from the back of the tile).
Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION:
What is a good idea for a tile backsplash?
I'm not looking for a painted mural tile, I just want something that would look good with an arts and crafts style home (exposed beams)ANSWER:
Arts and Crafts style means hand-made (not assembly-line, cookie cutter) style. The arts-and-crafts movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution’s reliance on mass production and the Victorian era's focus on heavy ornamentation. Popular during the early 1900s, this style glorified craftsmanship in simple shapes with exposed joinery, spare ornamentation and strong lines. Materials used to embellish the look include metals, stained glass and painted tiles and fabrics featuring stylized floral motifs.So, I would say your backsplash should be simple tile that is set in a unique pattern. There are many to choose from (subway, herringbone). I would think the color should be an earthy base but you could probably do a few close shades if you want more texture.
I hope this helps!
QUESTION:
Where can I find 4x4 tile for kitchen backsplash?
I am trying to find tile..ceramic or porcelain in a 4x4 size. I have trying to look on the computer but all I can come up with is tile murals, big tile, I just want plain tan/brown 4x4 tiles.ANSWER:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100125926This 4-1/4 In. x 4-1/4 In. almond bullnose tile has a striking, medium-gloss surface. Its tasteful, yet soothing color can very easily coordinate with your room's decor to achieve the perfect look. Whether you choose to use on a kitchen backsplash or countertop, this tile gives you the flexibility to create a design that's unforgettable.
QUESTION:
where can I get the best price on tile murals for a kitchen backsplash?
artist s like monet...ANSWER:
try your local tile surplus suppl yer
you may get all ever wanted and didnt need
QUESTION:
Has anyone painted on Ceramic tiles, or painted ceramic tile backsplashes?
I'm thinking about broadening my field of expertise(I paint murals) to include painted backsplashes for kitchens and elsewhere. I bought a book on how to lay ceramic tile, I just need to know if there's anyone out there with experience in this, and how they felt about it, any ideas?ANSWER:
I've painted ceramic tiles (to use as coasters), with great success using "glossies" paint. Just apply it to a clean tile, and then bake it in your oven at the specified temperature & time.The end result is a washable, highly usable surface. Mine are now going on 7 years old, and look the same as the day I first painted them. They get constant use, too, which says a lot for the quality of the paint
Another idea: You can purchase bisqued (fired) tiles at your local clay supplier. With these, apply underglazes (which you paint on like you would oils or acrylics--paint a picture or design, essentially) and then fire. Once the underglazes are fired, coat them with some clear glaze, fire again, and you have your finished work. These would be great for backsplashes.
If you want to create a truly custom backsplash, though, you probably want to consider making your own tiles (who says they have to be square???). If you don't have the equipment (it can get pretty costly with a slab roller, kiln, tools, glazes, etc), you should seriously consider taking a class at your local community college or university. If you haven't worked with clay before, it will be good for you to learn the qualities of the medium; the importance of drying times, the advantages of using a particular type of clay, glaze interactions, etc.
Good luck! You have a great idea for broadening your horizons!!!
