Question from Bob from Alaska

Have you ever played around with making your own tiles? I bought a wet saw and am learning how to use it. Based on your instructions I can see how to cut pieces and am practicing. But the bigger issue is trying to find tiles that are not just the right color, which it turns out can be more challenging than expected. But more importantly trying to find tiles that have a texture, or splattered color to them. So I was thinking today. What is involved with making tile. Would that be along the lines of pottery but only flat?

Have you ever tried your hand at this?

Thanks

Reply from Brett

Yes, I sometime make my own tiles – the colours are great, but the tiles are quite fragile – not suited to outdoors. It’s really as easy as buying the greenware blanks, a suitable colour glaze, paint the tiles with three coats & take them in for firing.

There can be a bit of colour variation, but I (and it sounds like you) like that.

Only downside is it takes a bit of time & mucking around, and the whole process is very expensive. Probably best saved for only the most difficult colours.

I know what you mean by lack of colour though – it’s a bit of a nightmare at the moment.