So you have discovered the world of tile boards and want to create something of your own. Learning how to make tile boards is easier than it looks and they make great gifts or home décor for around your own house. The most popular way to use tile boards is for tile pictures. You can choose your own picture to use on the tile board and make it into a great wall hanging. Here are some simple directions on how to make tile boards.
What you will need
A picture of your choice
Ruler
Tile board
Plastic cups for mixing
Scissors or exacto knife
Newspaper or something to cover your working surface
Mod-Podge (there are other things you can use just ask your local craft store worker)
Pins or blow dryer (used to pop bubbles)
Alcohol or baby wipes
Scrap paper
Plastic or latex gloves
High gloss coating
Masking Tape
Sponge Brush
Acrylic Paint (needs to match the picture)
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on the actual project.
1. Choosing your picture. Naturally the first thing you will want to do is choose a picture. Types of paper that work best for this project are original photos or copies made on photo paper, and calendar prints. Scrapbook paper also works but will have to be sealed with modge podge first. Of course you can always try others, but these are the kinds that work the best for tile board projects. A note on pictures with faces. Make sure you choose a board that will work with your photo. Cutting the picture can distort the lines so you will need to be careful what board you choose. A suggestion is to take the picture with you when you go shopping for the tile board. Place the picture on the tile board to see how it will lay out.
2. Choosing a Paint color. Again, it is a good idea to have your picture with you when you are choosing paint colors because you want to choose colors that compliment your picture. The paint color will act as the grout of the tile board. The darkest color tends to works the best.
3. Sand the tile board. You can lightly sand the tile board if you need to. Make sure to sand off uneven corner and remove all the dust from the grooves. You can use tack cloth to wipe away the dust.
4. Paint the tile board. Make sure you paint inside the grooves and up to the tile sections about 1/2" with your acrylic paint. If you use a thinner piece of paper, make sure you paint the entire board as the paper may be slightly transparent.
5. Place your picture. Place your picture on the tile board to get an idea of whether or not it will fit when you cut it. Try and place it so the tile lines don’t get in the way with your design.
6. Cutting the picture. Working from the top rightside edge, mark your cutting line with your exacto knife. You can then make a small notch on the top and bottom where you want to cut. Cut that line with a cutter. Continue cutting around the picture; do one side, then the top and then the inside cuts. Lay your cut pieces on the board to make sure they fit and look how you want them to.
7. Glue your picture. Glue each section of the picture to your tile board using craft glue. This is where the Mod-Podge comes into play. Make sure that the edges lay flat and are completely secure. Also be sure that no glue gets on top of the picture. If you do get glue on the picture, you can wipe it off with your alcohol or baby wipes. A not on the wipes: do not rub excessively or you will take the color off.
8. Add embellishments. If you have any sort of sticker, jewel, or embellishment that you want to add to your picture then add them now. Using your masking tape, mask off the edges on the back side of the board before you add the Mod-Podge. Then coat the entire project with two or three coats of Mod-Podge. The Mod-Podge looks milky when it is applied, but will dry clear.
9. High Gloss Coating. Look over the product packaging instructions before you begin, and always wear gloves while making this project. Find a place to do this last step where you can keep your project out of the reach of children, pets, or anything that could potentially knock it over. Place your tile board on 4 paper cuts. Place some sort of newspaper or cardboard under the tile board to protect the surface from drips. Mix in equal amounts of each bottle. By using clear plastic cups to make sure that you mix equal amounts of each bottle. Unequal amounts cause the mix to remain soft. Mix well!!
10. Pour. Make sure your tile board is sitting level before you pour the mixture over. Use toothpicks, or a blow dryer (set on low) to pop any bubbles that do not spread out on their own. You can also just blow on it to remove the bubbles. Let the board set for 10 minutes.
11. After 10 minutes use a piece of scrap paper or tooth pick to drain the excess resin. This is what will create the tile look. This may need to be done several times to get all of the resin out of the grooves. Using your sponge brush you can spread the mixture around the corners and edges. Edges of the picture corners will not sit back down once lifted, so be careful as you spread not to catch your picture.
12. Let your tile picture dry for 12 hours. You can now rip off the tape from the back of the tile board.