Tile Making

Tile Cutters

4" and 6" square Tile Cutters
Cast aluminum with beveled cutting edge.

4" (oversized to allow for shrinkage, actual is 4 1/4"- 4 1/2")
List Price $31.25

$28

6" (oversized to allow for shrinkage, actual is 6 1/4"-6 1/2")
List Price $47

$41

Tile Cutters with Plungers

Each are cut 12% larger for shrinkage. Note: We sell many of these tile cutters, and most people are happy with them. However, occasionally people are disappointed because they are not always perfectly square. We look at many of the cutters and they are pretty square but not perfect. Tiles are much more likely to fire non-square because of the way the clay was rolled out.. (Please read the tip #30 below about Making Ceramic Tiles if you do now know about how rolling creates stresses in clay which causes them to shrink unevenly.) Also a few people have complained that the plunger makes a mark on their tiles. Since people have different expectations and needs, please take these facts into consideration when you purchase these cutters.

2" Square List Price $40

$40

4-1/2" Square List Price $44

$44

6" Square List Price $48

$48

8" Square List Price $50

$50

6" Round List Price $48

$48

Front and back view

Breathable Clay Board, Large New!

A grid of wood covered with canvas. Allows moisture from the bottom of greenware placed on it to escape. Promotes faster and more even drying. Reduces warping. 14" x 14"

Breathable Clay Board

$18

We get many questions from people who want to make their own tiles. Many questions are answered in the following tips.

Tip #30: Making Ceramic Tiles
Tip #32: Impressing Patterns in Clay
Tip #33: Using Leaves

It is very possible to make your own tiles. You do need access to a kiln, as oven baked clays are not durable enough for tile. You can use a slab roller or a simple rolling pin, and Tip #30 gives ways to minimize warpage of your tiles.

Tile making equipment can be found on the following pages:

Books on tile making and mosaics:
http://www.bigceramicstore.com/Books/tilemosaicbooks.htm

Rolling pins, thickness strips, texture makers: http://www.bigceramicstore.com/Supplies/HandbuildingTools.htm

Holders / setters for firing:
http://www.bigceramicstore.com/Supplies/KilnFurniture/beadtileplate.htm

Slab rollers
http://www.bigceramicstore.com/Supplies/slabrollers/slabrollers.htm

Tiles can be made from low fire or high fire clay. For countertops and areas that get a lot of water (such as bathrooms), high fire stoneware or porcelain clay is better (Cone 2 and above.) For backsplashes and similar areas, low fire clay is fine. Low fire clay can be used in areas such as counters and showers if the glaze is a good fit, but it takes experimentation to get a good combination of clay and glaze. When making tiles for the floor, matte finishes are best for safety, as they are less slippery. If unglazed low fire clay is used (for example, if you are simulating Mexican Saltillo Tiles), the tiles need to be sealed regularly to keep the dirt out. This is because the low fire clays are porous.

People often ask about painting or glazing commercial tiles.

The first option is acrylic paints which are not fired in a kiln. They will not be durable and will scratch off. This is only recommended for decorative purposes, not functional. No food contact.

The next option is applying low fire glazes and re-firing. This can work very well, but you have to test. Different glazes will react differently over the base tile you are working with. Your original tile may change colors. The new glaze may sit well on the tile, or it may pool into spots when fired. There really is no simple answer other than to try it.

A better option is to use bisque tiles, which have been made and already fired once. You glaze those and have them fired, and they will be very durable. We sell bisque tiles by the case in 4" and 6" sizes.

Lastly, there is a product that many people have seen on television decorating shows, which you paint into commercial pottery and bake in the oven. They are called Glossies by Liquitex. They are typically available at chain craft stores such as Michael's. We haven't tested them and are not sure how durable they are, or the resulting surface is food safe.