Ceramic Tiles

[Justin]

Couple of great examples there swimwivsquid thank you Just the sort of thing I'm looking at doing.

How do you find the durability on these tiles? Appreciate they're not designed to be resistant to much abuse but are they ok as splashbacks?

[swimwivsquid]

I think the matt or lustre tiles have more durability but I don't see why with a bit of care the glossy tiles should be ok for splashbacks. They certainly print up well and are very impressive when seen finished.

[Justin]

And I assume they can be grouted with no adverse effect to the tile, i.e. scratching etc?

When you split the image, do you leave a small gap between each tile or simply slice the image?

[swimwivsquid]

I slice the image. They can be grouted but with a sand free grout. I left it up to the installation guys who were building the kitchen and I think they used a silicone grout that would wipe off easily when still wet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBXGnVl84JM Have a look at this video for creating a mural.

[Justin]

Do you use a pad on top of the tiles when pressing? I used to do this to ensure the image wrapped slightly over the edges but I guess it depends how square the edges are.

[JMugs]

Face down on felt pad, silicon sheet on top.

[swimwivsquid]

I place the tile face up after having wrapped the print around the edges and taping it so that the edges are in contact with the print nicely then I put a silicon sheet over the tile and print and press for 7 minutes at 400.( For some reason I have never been able to get a decent image when heating through the back of the tile.) BTW I have a thicker silicon sheet on the base of the press also. Getting the pressure right is also important. Too much and you crack the tile. Too little and it blows out in places. I played around with an old tile until I got the pressure right and now have it marked on the screw on the press.

[Justin]

Last time I did ceramic tiles (many moons back) I used a silcone sheet and it worked well. When I do acrylic blocks I use the white felt(?) pad from Marvelpress, I wondered if that might be better for ceramics as well?

Just ran through that tutorial, thanks

[swimwivsquid]

I don't know about the felt pad as I haven't got one to try. Might be worth a try though. So far the way I have been doing it works for me so if it aint broke......They look knockout when they are done and have a quality feel and look about them that always impresses people when exhibited. Be nice to see how you get on Justin. All the best Richard

[Tony4415]

Hi guys!
Last year I ordered a oval ceramic tile for my parents grave stone, this cost me £120.
Apparently it was made in Italy.
Can I do this? Is this achievable?
Do these have to be UV protected?
Any advise would be great.
Thanks