Tile paintings can be displayed as a stand-alone work of art or placed as decoration on kitchen counters, bathroom walls, or fireplaces. Instead of spending a lot of money to replace faded ceramic tiles, it is better to paint on the ceramic tiles yourself, which can give your home environment a completely new look and save money at the same time. Let’s learn how to paint ceramic tiles.
Illustrated tutorial on painting ceramic tiles. This manual DIY tutorial includes: preparing materials, processing tiles, and starting painting. If you want to learn how to paint ceramic tiles, read this illustrated tutorial on painting ceramic tiles. Learn the tutorial!
Prepare materials
1Choose a white tile with no texture. If you want to create a tile painting as a work of art, the simpler the tiles you choose, the better. Of course, you can also paint on existing tiles on your home walls, but you may need to be more careful when painting textured tiles. - It doesn’t matter whether the tiles are glazed or not.
2Buy tile paint or oil-based paint. It is important to choose the right pigment. The pigment must be able to adhere firmly to the tiles and resist the influence of external factors (such as water). 
3Choose a brush of appropriate size. If you want to paint more complex patterns, it is best to buy brushes of various sizes. If you are painting an entire wall, a larger brush will be more suitable. 
4Prepare your work area. Spread newspaper or cloth over your work area so paint will not stain it.- Keep a damp cloth handy so that you can erase it immediately if you make a mistake; prepare water for washing brushes.
Processing tiles
1Treat the tiles. Before you begin painting, use a toothbrush or bathroom cleaning product to remove any stains or remaining color from the tiles. For white tiles, just wipe them with soapy water. - If there is mildew, use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove it.
- Vinegar can be used to remove soap scum and water stains.
2If necessary, use a sander to polish the uneven tiles. Use 1800-grit sandpaper to smooth rough surfaces. - Before painting, use a vacuum cleaner to remove gravel and tile debris.
3First apply a layer of oily, super-adhesive primer on the surface of the tiles. This layer of paint can cover imperfections and make it easier for paint to adhere. Apply two coats if necessary. 
4Wait until the paint dries before you start painting.
Start painting
1Determine the color and design you want. If you are painting the walls of your home, make sure the color you choose matches the overall style of the house. Light colors are generally better, because dark or extremely bright colors can make the atmosphere of the room very weird. - Ask yourself questions about aesthetics. Are you painting an entire room or just one tile? Both methods are fine. If its the former, you can draw pastoral scenery, natural beauty or a birds-eye view of the city; if its the latter, you can draw a small animal, a face or a still life, which is eye-catching enough.
- If you are painting on tiles in a room of your home, you may want to add a decorative tile or row of tiles with texture, pattern, or text. This kind of tile has a beautifying effect on the room.
2Before you start drawing, make a rough draft with pencil. This step is especially important when drawing complex patterns. The pencil should be lightly traced onto the tile so that the paint covers the pencil line, or it can be rubbed away. 
3- If you are painting an entire wall, be sure to apply several layers of primer first. Wait for each layer to dry first.
4After painting, it takes 48 hours for the entire wall to dry, while it only takes 24 hours for a small piece of tile to dry. 
5Apply a layer of polyurethane to protect the painting. You can also apply more coats.
Tips
- Be patient when drawing. The more patient you are, the more detailed you can draw and the more refined the picture will be.
- If the wall is too dull, you can add a decorative tile.
- Before you start painting, if there are any knots on the tiles, be sure to polish them off first.
Warning
- Spray paint, enamel paint and epoxy resin are not as effective as oil-based paints.
- When using electrically charged tools or paints with toxic ingredients, take protective measures, such as wearing goggles or a gas mask.
- Don't draw in a hunched position for a long time, otherwise your back will be overwhelmed. Try to paint while squatting or kneeling.
- Repainting the tiles is not a once and for all solution, as they will fade over time.
You need to prepare
- Tiles
- Cleaning supplies for cleaning tiles
- Sanding machine and 1800-grit sanding paper (prepared if necessary)
- Goggles and gas mask
- Newspaper or cloth to cover the work area
- Water used to wash brushes
- Oil-based, high-adhesion primer
- Brush
- Oil paint or tile coating
- Polyurethane
Extended reading:
1. Frankie Stein’s drawing method teaches you how to draw Elf High School characters
2. Tutorial on how to draw Ariel as a human image. Let’s learn the steps to draw Ariel, the mermaid princess
3. How to draw the excited Phineas Let’s learn the steps to draw Phineas in "Phineas and Ferb"
4. Steps to draw Ariel in draft style. Let’s take a look at the steps to draw Ariel, the mermaid princess
5. Steps to draw a mechanical robot Let’s learn how to draw a robot
