How to Make Tiles From Clay

Are you an artist looking to create your own clay tiles? Whether you’re interested in creating functional tiles for a kitchen backsplash or decorative pieces for a mosaic, making tiles from clay can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Creating tiles from clay is an ancient craft that marries the elements of earth and fire to produce durable and beautiful surfaces. This time-honored process involves preparing the clay, shaping it, drying, and finally, firing it in a kiln. Whether for aesthetic embellishments in homes or for practical flooring solutions, handmade clay tiles offer a unique touch to any space.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to make tiles from clay, beginning with selecting the right type of clay and ending with the final firing process. This skill not only allows for artistic expression but also yields functional pieces.

What are the Benefits of Making Tiles From Clay?

Besides the opportunity for creative expression, there are many other benefits to making tiles from clay. Here are a few reasons why you should consider taking up this craft:

• Cost-effective: Making your own tiles from clay can save you money compared to purchasing pre-made tiles.
• Customization: By making your own tiles, you can create unique designs and tailor them to fit your needs.
• Durable: Clay tiles have been used for centuries and are known for their durability and longevity.
• Sustainability: Using natural materials can reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

These are just a few of the many benefits of making tiles from clay. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin your tile-making journey, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Clay: Choose a clay suitable for tiles, such as stoneware or earthenware.
• Water: Water is needed to soften and moisten the clay for molding.
• Rolling Pin: This will help you roll out the clay to an even thickness.
• Cutting Tools: These can include a knife, cookie cutters, or any other tools that will help you shape and cut the clay into tiles.
• Mold-making Materials: If you plan on creating tiles with intricate designs, you may need mold-making materials such as plaster of Paris or silicone molds.
• Kiln: A kiln is necessary for firing the clay and hardening it into durable tiles.
• Glaze (Optional): Glaze can add color, texture, or a glossy finish to your tiles. Keep in mind that not all clays require glazing.

Now that you have everything you need let’s get started!

9 Easy Steps on How to Make Tiles From Clay:

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

The first step in creating your own tiles from clay is to prepare the clay properly. This involves conditioning the clay to ensure it’s pliable and easy to work with. Start by kneading the clay on a clean, flat surface to eliminate any air bubbles, which can cause imperfections or weaknesses in your final tiles. This process, known as wedging, is similar to kneading dough and helps to create a uniform consistency throughout the clay.

Once your clay feels smooth and free of air pockets, you can roll it out. Roll the clay to your desired thickness using a rolling pin, typically between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch for most tile projects. Ensure you keep the thickness uniform to allow for even drying and firing later on. If the clay sticks to your rolling pin or work surface, you can lightly dust these surfaces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

At this stage, it’s also crucial to consider the shrinkage rate of your clay, which varies among different types of clay. The shrinkage rate will affect the final size of your tiles after firing, so plan accordingly to ensure your tiles fit your intended project space.

Step 2: Cut Your Tiles

With your clay rolled out to the desired thickness, the next step is to cut it into tiles. You can use cookie cutters for standard shapes like circles or squares or a knife for custom shapes. To ensure uniformity in size, consider creating a template from cardboard or stiff paper, which you can use as a guide for cutting.

Place the template over the flattened clay and press gently to mark the outlines. Follow these outlines to cut the clay into tiles using your chosen cutting tool. Be sure to cut cleanly, avoiding jagged edges that could result in chips or cracks after firing.

After cutting the tiles, remove any excess clay and smooth the edges of each tile with a damp sponge or your fingers. This will give your tiles a professional finish and prevent any sharp edges.

Step 3: Add Designs or Textures

Once your tiles are cut, this is the perfect moment to add any designs or textures that will make your tiles genuinely unique. You can use anything from stamps, lace, leaves, or custom carvings to imprint designs onto the surface. If you’re aiming for relief designs, apply even pressure to ensure the pattern is imprinted. You may use sculpting tools to carve directly into the clay for more intricate designs.

After designing, leave the tiles to dry slightly, making them leather-hard, which is ideal for carving finer details without distorting the tile’s shape. Remember, the designs or textures you add now will be more prominent once the tile is glazed and fired, highlighting the craftsmanship of your work.

Step 4: Dry the Tiles

Proper drying is crucial for preventing your tiles from warping or cracking. Place your tiles on a flat, even surface where they can dry evenly. Avoid direct sunlight or heating sources, as these can cause the tiles to dry too quickly and unevenly, leading to warping. Depending on the thickness of your tiles and the humidity levels, drying can take several days.

It’s essential to flip the tiles occasionally to ensure they dry evenly on both sides. Once the tiles are bone dry, which means they no longer feel cool to the touch and have lightened in color, they are ready for bisque firing in the kiln. This initial firing will harden the tiles and prepare them for glazing if desired.

Step 5: Bisque Fire Your Tiles

Before you can apply any glaze to your tiles, they must undergo a process known as bisque firing. This is a critical stage where the clay tiles are fired in a kiln for the first time to harden them into a more durable form. To bisque fire your tiles, carefully load them into the kiln, ensuring there is enough space between each tile to allow for proper air circulation. The firing schedule for bisque firing generally involves slowly heating the kiln to a temperature between 1728°F to 1940°F (942°C to 1060°C), depending on the clay type you are using.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific clay body and kiln is vital to avoid any mishaps. The bisque firing process can take up to 24 hours, including heating and cooling. Cooling is just as necessary as heating; therefore, allow the tiles to cool completely in the kiln before removing them. This can prevent thermal shock, which might cause your tiles to crack or break.

Step 6: Apply Glaze (optional)

If you choose to glaze your tiles, the next step is to prepare and apply the glaze after bisque firing. Select or prepare your glaze according to the manufacturer’s instructions, remembering that the color can appear very different before firing. When applying the glaze, use a brush, dip, or pour method to ensure an even coat. Be wary of applying glaze too thickly, as this can cause runs or imperfections in the final product.

Ensure the glaze is suitable for tiles that will be used in areas subject to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens. It’s crucial to leave the edges and bottom of the tile free of glaze to prevent them from sticking to the kiln shelves during the glaze firing process. Once glazed, allow the tiles to dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which is glaze firing.

Step 7: Glaze Fire Your Tiles

The final step in creating your ceramic tiles is the glaze firing process. This step requires careful preparation and attention to detail, as it will set your tiles’ final appearance and durability. Load the glazed tiles into the kiln, leaving space around each piece to prevent them from fusing together. The temperature and duration of the glaze firing depend on the type of glaze and clay you have used, but typically, the kiln is heated to between 1828°F and 2280°F (998°C to 1250°C).

To achieve the desired finish, it’s crucial to follow the specific firing schedule recommended for your glaze and clay combination. During the firing, the glaze will melt and form a hard, glassy surface on the tiles, enhancing their color and making them water-resistant. After the firing process, allow the tiles to cool down slowly inside the kiln. This gradual cooling is important to avoid any sudden temperature changes that could cause the tiles to crack.

Step 8: Install Your Tiles

After the tiles have been bisque and glaze fired, they are ready to be installed in your chosen location. Begin by preparing the surface where the tiles will be placed, ensuring it is clean, dry, and level. If installing tiles on a wall, consider using a notched trowel to spread tile adhesive evenly over the surface. A mortar bed might be necessary for floor installations to provide a strong, level base.

Carefully place each tile onto the adhesive or mortar, using spacers to maintain even gaps for grouting later on. Once all tiles are in place, allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer’s instructions before grouting the tiles. Choose a grout color that complements your tiles, mix it to the right consistency, and apply it with a grout float, pressing it into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe away the excess grout with a damp sponge, polishing the tiles. After the grout has dried, a final sealant can be applied to protect the tiles and grout from moisture and dirt, completing the installation process.

Step 9: Maintenance and Care

Once your ceramic tiles have been successfully installed and sealed, regular maintenance will ensure they remain pristine for years. For daily cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth or sponge with water and a mild detergent, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can damage the tile’s surface.

In high-traffic areas or on flooring, periodically check for any signs of wear or damage, such as chipped edges or cracked tiles, and replace these as necessary to maintain the integrity of your installation. Additionally, resealing the grout lines every year or two with a silicone-based sealer can prevent staining and keep moisture out, preserving the beauty and longevity of your ceramic tiles.

By following these steps and properly caring for your ceramic tiles, you can create beautiful, long-lasting pieces for your home or as gifts for others.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Perfect Your Wedging Technique: Before shaping your tiles, ensure your clay is thoroughly wedged. This process removes air bubbles and creates a uniform texture in the clay, preventing cracks and warping.
2. Use a Template: Consistency is critical when making tiles. Use a template or a set of guide rails to ensure each tile is uniform in size and shape. This is especially useful when creating tiles for installations where precision is crucial.
3. Keep Your Work Surface and Tools Wet: When shaping and cutting your tiles, keep your work surface and tools slightly wet to prevent the clay from sticking. This helps in achieving smooth surfaces and clean edges.
4. Dry Slowly to Prevent Warping: Dry your tiles slowly and evenly. A rapid dry can cause warping or cracking. Cover them loosely with plastic to control the drying rate, and consider flipping them periodically to ensure even drying on both sides.
5. Experiment with Glazes: Glazing can transform the look of your tiles. Experiment with different glazes and techniques to add color, texture, and water resistance to your tiles. Test your glazes on small clay pieces first to see the final result before applying to your main project.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can create beautiful and functional tiles from clay. Remember always to have fun while working with clay; don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using Uneven Clay: Working with clay that has not been evenly wedged can lead to air pockets and uneven drying, which can cause your tiles to warp or crack. Always ensure your clay is consistently wedged before starting your project.
2. Refrain from Neglecting the Thickness: Making your tiles too thin or too thick can lead to problems. Thin tiles may be prone to breaking, while thick tiles can crack or warp due to uneven drying. Aim for a consistent thickness that’s appropriate for their intended use.
3. Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Attempting to speed up the drying process by placing tiles in direct sunlight or near a heat source can cause them to warp or crack. Allow your tiles to dry slowly and naturally for the best results.
4. Avoid Overworking the Clay: Continuously handling and reshaping the clay can lead to overwork, making it less pliable and more susceptible to issues during the drying and firing. Work efficiently to maintain the clay’s integrity.
5. Don’t Skip the Test Firing for Glazes: You must test your glazes on a similar piece of clay first to avoid the final glaze not turning out as expected. This could result in wrong colors, textures, or even damage to your tiles. Always conduct a test firing to ensure the desired finish.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save time and materials while creating high-quality tiles.

5 Different Ways to Get Creative with Tile Making

1. Add Texture: Experiment with different textures in your clay, such as using a textured rolling pin or imprinting designs onto the surface. This can add interest and depth to your tiles.
2. Mix Clay Colors: Combine different colored clays to create unique patterns and designs in your tiles. You can also blend colors together to create new shades and hues.
3. Incorporate Different Shapes: Don’t limit yourself to traditional square or rectangular tiles. Experiment with shapes such as hexagons or triangles to add a modern twist to your designs.
4. Personalize with Handwritten Messages: Use a clay carving tool to inscribe personalized messages or designs onto your tiles for a special touch.
5. Create Mosaic Patterns: Break your tiles into smaller pieces and arrange them in a mosaic pattern for a colorful and intricate design. This is a great way to use any leftover or imperfect tiles.

With these creative ideas, you can take your tile-making to the next level and create unique, personalized pieces.

Conclusion

How to make tiles from clay is both an art and a science, rooted in traditional techniques yet open to modern innovation and personal creativity.

From the initial wedging of the clay to the final glaze firing, each step in the process is crucial for creating durable, beautiful tiles. Following the tips and tricks outlined, you can avoid common pitfalls such as warping, cracking, and uneven finishes. Whether aiming for consistency in production or exploring the bounds of artistic expression, the versatility of clay as a medium offers endless possibilities. Remember, patience, practice, and experimentation are the key to success.

As you refine your skills and learn from each batch, you’ll develop a deeper connection to the craft. This will allow you to create tiles that serve functional purposes and carry your unique artistic signature.