How to Paint Ceramic Tile to Look Like Terracotta

Remove any dirt and oil with warm soapy water and a soft rag. If the tiles are already installed in a backsplash or on a floor, tape off any baseboards or counter edges you want to protect from paint.

Sand the tiles with coarse-grit sandpaper and a palm sander. This will rough up the surface, allowing the paint to adhere to the tile more effectively. Remove any sanding grit with a tack cloth.

Paint every tile with super-adherent primer. Use a sponge brush for small tiles and a sponge roller and tray for large tiles. Allow the paint to dry overnight or according to manufacturer's specifications. This will allow the paint to stick to the glossy surface of the tile without peeling off.

Apply one base coat of brown-tinted latex primer to each tile using a sponge roller. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Select three different latex paint colors, the first, a brown tone, the second, a red tone and the third, a yellow tone. Pour each paint color into a separate tray.

Use a sea sponge to press the brown paint onto the tile in a swirling motion. Before it is dry, add the second, red-toned, latex paint in the same swirling motion. These two colors combined will create the two-toned rusty look of terracotta. Apply a small amount of the yellow paint to a damp sponge. Add yellow highlights to each tile, pressing the paint onto the corners and edges of each one. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Apply two coats of polyurethane to the tiles using a paint roller. Allow the this to dry according to manufacturer's specifications.