Best Finishes for Painted Ceramic Tiles (Comparison Review)

If you follow my YouTube channel or this blog, you’ll see that I like to paint on ceramic tiles. They are easy to find, inexpensive, practical, don’t take much paint and are easy to wipe off and reuse if the results are less than stellar – which often happens. However I have found that in order to actually use them as a trivet or a coaster, I should probably test out some different finishes to see which is the most hardwearing, which is waterproof, heatproof and doesn’t feel ‘tacky’.

Supplies I Used:

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[bleepbleepohio]

YouTube is amazing. I have been googling for a week on the best finishes that aren't expensive resin based. Thanks for taking the the to do this!

[agould]

Thank you for doing a month’s long experiment. I’ve wondered about two of the products. I found using Dupli Color Clear engine motor spray heat resistant to 500 degrees, 3-4 coats then sit in the sun for 4 hours works quite well. No sticking.

[theytlizzy]

Hi Debbie, thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us viewers. I really appreciate all you do. Lizzy

[AlleysArt]

Wow, thanks so much for sharing this; I had come to the realization that I need to resin my coasters. This confirms it! I appreciate your doing this lengthy test. The resin used is very little for each coaster, 1 oz or possibly less. Better than selling a coaster and having people very unhappy with the piece.

[paulamullett]

Thank you for testing these products and posting a lovely video with results!

[katmom]

Was so glad to see this comparison. Several videos ago, you mentioned your search for something to work with coasters. It has been sitting in my mind. I have had the same issue with sticking when I used the spray varnishes. In the past, I have put gems on top of my coasters in a pattern. That way the hot cup sits on the gems as opposed to the flat tile. This week, I made a cross design in Elmer's ProBond Advanced glue on top of a tile. I then put a pile of art sand on the glue. I let it dry completely and then brushed off the extra sand. I let it dry a bit more then put a pour of paint over it. Once dry, I put one coat of the Minwax Polycrylic varnish on it. Low and behold, my hot mug doesn't stick to the raised design! I'm trying it again today, just to see if it was a fluke. I'm doing a spiral design, dots and another X to test it. You might try this, too? Thanks for sharing your experiments with us!

[samodonoghue]

I also had a fit of exuberance and painted my kitchen tiles and I cane here looking for advice on how to varnish them, so this video has been really helpful, thank you for sharing.

[peachesandolivia]

Hi Deby: Thank you for doing this test and showing the results. I do a lot of tiles, so it was of great interest to me. FYI: I talked with the people at Art Resin and they say not to use their product on tiles that you want to put something hot on.

[cynthiaribay]

Thank you for your expirament. I want to make photo tile coasters and I wondered if it would hold up with hot and cold drinks. I will keep watching you to find out the best way to make these coasters as gifts. Thank you.

[SuperRocketdog]

Oh Debbie I love your videos!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great testing to help us understand what the outcomes on different process. I know the videos are old😂😂 but I just came across them today.😍💕🥰👍👍🐶🐶🇬🇧🇬🇧

[mfabucci]

Hi Debbie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your video with us.  
I decoupage with paper napkins onto ceramic 4x4 and 6x6 bathroom tiles. I finish with a spray clear gloss. After scouring the internet for a fix to the sticky issue and could not find one - I decided to apply a very tiny bit of petroleum jelly onto the tops of all my tiles and found it fixed the problem. Don't know if it is a temporary fix tho.
I appreciate your thoughts?

[Denise]

I seal wood tables with Spar and it has always been wonderful....no rings ever and super tough....used for bar tops. Also Verithane floor varnish would be my next choice. These are made for static surfaces. Many polyblends are made to stay flexible for canvas etc.

[sherrycatalano]

Good morning Deby! I was doing some research the other day for a sealer for my tiles. Like yours, my coffee cup is sticking. I found a product I am going to try, it's engine enamel. The brand here in the states is Dupli -color, gloss clear. It withstands heat up to 500*F. I will let you know how it works!

[jonellekanouse]

Hi Debbie, Thanks for doing this test for us. Certainly cleared this up for me.

[suewalters]

Thanks. I’ll keep looking. I did resin mine, but having some extreme reactions regardless of gloves, and mask. Rash, swelling, and some respiratory symptoms. Just staying away from resin.

[Melumental]

Hi Deby, thanks for the experiment. Just want to mention that the bigger the brush used when varnishing the less brush strokes you will get. I have started using 50mm/60mm and best of all 75mm synthetic, very soft hair, spatular brushes for varnishing. It is quick and very effective. I hope this information helps. Thanks again for your vidoes, your great!!!

[sigridpetrogiannis]

Very interesting and helpful. Thank you so much for testing for us.

[carollanctot]

I use the Polycrylic on tiles all the time and have no problem with hot cups or even hot pans out of the oven sticking. Wonder if your humidity has an effect.

[kathysausen]

Jilly from Australia uses KBS Diamond Finish Clear Coat & it works perfect! I think you can get it through Amazon. A little pricey but worth it to protect your art. Especially tiles where you’ll b putting hot food items on them. Hope this helps.😍

[BlaizC]

Thanks for doing the experimenting for us.