Hand-painted tiles in India: Trends and decor tips

A tile is just a tile… until it isn’t. Until a brushstroke turns it into a story, a splash of colour makes it hum with personality, and a pattern whispers of faraway lands, your love story or childhood memories sometimes. Hand-painted tiles aren’t just décor but they are little rebellions against the ordinary, turning floors, walls, and backsplashes into art. In an age of mass-produced redundancy, they’re different: messy, colourful, and unmistakably yours.

What are hand-painted tiles?

Hand-painted tiles, as the term implies, are produced one at a time specially crafted ceramic, terracotta, or cement tiles of bright colours painted by hand, using conventional painting methods, manufactured by craftsmen. Since they are produced by hand, they bear human imperfections and customised storytelling, adding to their charm, but are relatively expensive. 

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Why are hand-painted tiles trending in India?

In the backdrop of Indian art heritage, modern people have found a new way to integrate the idea of hand-made, customised tiles into their homes with a tincture of traditionality to not only support local artisans but also add a bit of a quirk to their living spaces. The demand is driven by:

• A shift towards sustainable and artisanal home décor.
• The desire for unique, customisable interiors that scream your personality.
• Social media and DIY trends inspiring home transformations
• The rise of independent ceramic artists and boutique tile brands: not only selling tiles but teaching people how to make their own.

Benefits of using hand-painted tiles in home décor

• Customisation: When you can use hand-made tiles with a personal touch, why pick the boring factory produce?
• Durability: If properly sealed, these handmade tiles can last you a lifetime.
• Aesthetic appeal: They add character and depth to any space. Can be a good conversation starter.
• Sustainability: They are often made using eco-friendly materials like clay.
• Versatility: They can be placed anywhere, usually, considered suitable for walls, floors, furniture, and more.

Origins of hand-painted tiles in India

Hand-painted tiles have roots in Indian architectural history; today one can spot these in heritage palaces, temples, and mosques. The craft became the norm during the Mughal period in the form of floral motifs in stone inlay or pachichikari, also known as piedra dura, cuerda seca, mosaic work and so on; this also flourished in Rajasthan and Gujarat in places like Shesh Mahal or Siddi Saiyyed Mosque. This artwork varies geographically based on the influences. Like the northern belt, Portuguese and Moroccan influence in the tile artwork can be spotted in Goa and Kerala homes, usually in the colour scheme of blue and white hand-painted tiles. There is a resurgence of hand-painted tiles in modern interiors as architects and interior designers work to blend the traditional dense historical tilework with the new minimalism of home decor. 

DIY guide: how to hand-paint tiles

Tools and materials required:

• Tiles: Some materials they are available in are: ceramic, terracotta, cement, or porcelain tiles (depending on your preference)
• Paint:
  • Acrylic enamel paint – Best for ceramic tiles, is durable and glossy 
  • Chalk paint – Matte finish, ideal for rustic looks
  • Oil-based paint – Water-resistant but takes longer to dry
  • Epoxy paint – High durability, best for high-traffic areas
  • Tile-specific paint – Designed for adhesion and longevity
• Primer: Tile primer (in case of non-porous tiles like ceramic or porcelain)
• Brushes and sponges
• Stencils (Optional)
• Painter’s tape (Optional)
• Sealer: Polyurethane or epoxy sealer to protect the design
• Kiln (Optional): Needed if using glaze for a high-fired, professional finish
• Rubbing Alcohol: For cleaning tile surfaces before painting
• Sandpaper (Optional): To roughen glossy tiles for better adhesion

Choosing the right tile and paint

• Ceramic and porcelain tiles: These are the kinds that require a good primer and epoxy or acrylic enamel paint for long-lasting results.
• Terracotta tiles: The terracotta ones are absorbent and work well with chalk or oil-based paints but need multiple sealant layers for protection.
• Cement tiles: Matte and porous, best with chalk paint or acrylics and require sealing.

Step-by-step guide to painting tiles

Step 1: Prepare the surface

• You must clean the plain tiles thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or mild detergent before priming the surface.
• Sand glossy tiles lightly to create a rough surface. This ensures that the paint sits well on the tile surface.
• Apply painter’s tape around the edges for precise designs. This is optional.

Step 2: Apply primer (If needed)

• Apply a thin layer of tile primer and let it dry completely if you are using ceramic or porcelain tiles..

Step 3: Start painting

• Use a fine brush for the design details or a sponge for textured effects on the tile according to your preferences.
• If you are using stencils, secure them with painter’s tape cautiously before applying paint.
• Apply paint in thin layers. You should allow each coat to dry before adding another layer.

Step 4: Add final touches

• Blend colours if needed or add extra detailing with a fine brush.

Step 5: Seal the design

• Once the paint is fully dried, you should then apply a clear polyurethane or epoxy sealant. This is to make them durable.
• Cure the tiles for 24-48 hours before use.

Special considerations for different tiles

• If using a kiln, glaze tiles before firing them for a professional finish.
• If skipping a kiln, use high-quality epoxy paint and a strong sealant to mimic durability.
• Choose oil-based or epoxy paints and multiple sealing coats for outdoor use for weather resistance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using water-based paints without sealing.
• Skipping the priming process.
• Not allowing enough drying time.

Where can you use hand-painted tiles?

• Kitchen backsplash: they add a pop of colour and personality to your cooking space.

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• Bathroom walls and flooring: these tiles can help introduce an element to ponder upon in your bath space for a luxurious feel.

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• Accent walls in living rooms: can be used to add a focal piece to your living area.
• Outdoor and balcony applications: Can be used for tabletops, garden pathways, or decorative walls to make your green space more colourful and aesthetic.
• Furniture inlays: Can inlay hand-painted tiles into tables, cabinets, and wardrobe handles for an aesthetic look.

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• Coasters and trays: Can be used as unique drink coasters or serving trays with miniature tile designs to woo your guests.

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• Brooches and jewellery: For the quirky perks, these can also be used as statement accessories for an artistic touch.

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• Mirror frames and home accents: Consider this an inspiration for your next DIY.  Border mirrors or frames with hand-painted tiles.

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• Stair risers or name plates: Adding these tiles in unexpected spaces like staircases or nameplates can highlight your attention to detail.

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Housing.com POV 

While the industrial tiles will always come in handy, one can leap to promote the local artisans not only by installing their artworks in our living spaces but also by basking in the beauty of it. These tiles have stories to tell— of the clay, the artisans, the sweat and heat, and of you. To buy these, you can explore local artisans, online marketplaces, boutique tile shops and authentic Instagram stores. Some tips if you wish to DIY them: experiment with the colour and pattern, take time to seal it, and support local labour. 

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