While decorative ceramic tiles are readily available in several stores, there are still people who opt to design their own ceramic tiles through painting.

Those who wish to paint ceramic tiles should understand that the durability of the finished product depends on the way the tiles are used. No matter how good the painting materials are, when the tiles are used with little or no precaution, the painting can still be easily damaged.

There are several ceramic tile-painting kits available. These kits have instructions on how to prepare the materials. It is best to consult with people who know how to mix the materials involved. Most of these materials are dangerous and when used incorrectly, can lead to severe skin damage.

Once the paint has been prepared, the ceramic tile area should be washed with a 50/50 solution of household ammonia and water. This helps to remove any grease or dirt that accumulated in the tile area. The grout, on the other hand, can be cleaned with a mild acid solution.

Afterwards, the primer can be applied. Be sure to use the right primer. The best product is one that adheres most to ceramic tiles, glass and other resistant areas. The primer provides an anchor to the topcoat. When the area to be painted is exposed to too much water, it is helpful to use alcohol-based primers.

When the primer has dried, the area can be painted with one or two applications of the topcoat paint. Water-based paints may suffice for areas that are not prone to moisture. Otherwise, alkyd finishes are better as they are more resistant to damage caused by excessive moisture.