Can You Glaze Clay Tiles to Darken the Color?

Clay and Glaze

• Although glaze is a common term for coloring a variety of surfaces, glaze for finishing clay products requires high heat to activate the color and create a tight bond between the underlying clay and the surface finish. Potters and commercial tile manufacturers apply the clay glaze prior to the final firing, although some glazes may require more than one firing to produce the desired effects. Applying the clay glaze over a finished tile will fail to provide anything more than a temporary result. Without high-temperature firing, the clay glaze will fade and wash off the tile.

Darkening the Color

• Even though you can’t use clay glaze properly without a firing kiln, you can darken the color of your tile and create a glossy, glazed appearance, as long as your tile is in an area that doesn’t receive frequent exposure to water. Durable paints, such as polyurethane paints, allow you to alter the color of your finished tile without the help of a pottery kiln. Color your tile with a paint labeled for use on tile surfaces.

Preparation

• Proper preparation is the key to making paint adhere to tiles. The first step in darkening the color of a finished clay tile involves buffing down the existing finish. You don’t need to remove all the color on the tile, just the shiny surface area. Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to buff off the surface sheen. Remove any particles of paint dust by washing and drying the clay tile prior to painting the surface area.

Painting

• Like most paints, polyurethane adheres best with the help of a primer. Use a primer labeled for use on clay tiles prior to applying the color coat. Let the primer dry completely, then apply one or more thin coats of the glossy polyurethane paint to create the level of darkness and sheen you desire.