Tile Mural Articles

Where can you use a tile mural as a home accent? The sky’s the limit!

by Peter Paslis

Today, innovative and affordable decorating possibilities for every room are virtually endless… especially when it comes to stylish, durable tile accents.

Wondering how you can create a dynamic focal point using a framed or installed tile mural? Look around your home or office for fresh ways to bring your unique sense of style to life.

Here are nine easy ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Create a custom-made view — Ideally, every home or office would be filled with sun-drenched windows that open onto idyllic views.  If that’s not the case, use a tile mural to create your own view of paradise. Install a relaxing landscape over your kitchen sink, or hang a favorite framed print across from your desk.

Lighten up a dark or out-of-the-way corner — Imagine a brightly colored framed mural in glossy ceramic tile accented by just the right decorative lightening. It’s a quick way to turn a dull space into a decorator’s dream.

Inspire your culinary skills — Love to create Italian dishes? Choose a Tuscany-inspired mural in classic tumbled marble as a backdrop for your sink or range and spend your days in sunny Italy.

Bring your interests to the office — Why settle for a generic framed print when you can decorate your office space in style? Framed tile murals show off your good taste and serve as a great icebreaker for business colleagues and clients as soon as they enter your office.

Create a future family heirloom — Turn an inexpensive desk hutch or bookcase into a one-of-a-kind furniture accent by installing a tile mural inside it. Or, install a mural across the front of a portable bar to turn it into a relaxing focal point for your family room or sun porch.

Assemble a themed room — Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a sports fan or an animal lover, express your interests through themed décor. Coordinate accents like throw pillows, a wallpaper border, figurines and a framed tile mural in a guest room or family room to bring your hobbies to life.

Encourage a child’s sense of whimsy — With their wash-and-wipe surfaces, tile murals are perfect for kids’ rooms. Install as an unusual headboard accent or behind a child’s desk.

Build your business brand — If you’re a business owner, you know the importance of branding. Consider installing a custom logo mural in your building lobby, or hanging a framed version in a conference room or reception area.

Kick your seasonal decorating up a notch — Reserve a prominent wall space as a seasonal art gallery, then use a rotating series of framed murals as the perfect backdrop for your holiday decorating.

Because of their durable nature — and flexibility when framed — the decorating possibilities of tile murals now extend far behind a kitchen backsplash or shower stall. Take a look around and you’re sure to find a host of possibilities to add style and enjoyment to your home or office.

Tile Insiders’ Installation Tips

by Peter Paslis

You’ve envisioned the possibilities…selected your tile mural…placed the order…and it’s here! Now what?

Many handy do-it-yourselfers feel confident installing their new tile mural themselves. Others choose to contract with a local tile installation professional, or work with their builder if the mural is part of a larger renovation or a new construction project.

Regardless of the route you choose, here are some tips from professional tile installers to get the best possible results.

Getting started

All Custom Tile Art Murals murals ship with the tiles individually wrapped and padded to protect both the tile itself and the image. Before unpacking, pad a large surface such as a countertop or floor with a drop cloth or bath towels. Carefully open the carton, avoiding the use of a very sharp blade that may scratch the surface of the tiles inside.

Each shipment includes a “road map” — an 8-1/2 x 11” diagram of your finished mural with each tile individually numbered and lettered. Locate your road map first, then unwrap and place each tile on the protected floor or countertop as indicated in the diagram. Examine each tile for any damage incurred during shipping.

If your mural looks fabulous laid out on the floor or countertop, imagine how it will look in its finished location!

Installation: Preparation is key

Professional installers recommend these guidelines when working with tile:

1. The better the adhesive, the better the outcome. You didn’t skimp on the quality of your tile mural. Why skimp on the material that will hold it in place…and allow you to enjoy its beauty for years to come? Choose a commercial-grade adhesive, also known as mastic, from a reputable tile supply company.

2. Unsanded wall grout protects your investment. This type of grout is the least abrasive, and when applied carefully will not damage the surface of the tile. Colored grout can be used to create a custom look, or choose a neutral depending on the design look you are trying to achieve.

3. To seal or not to seal? It is not necessary to seal ceramic tile, but the grout lines should be sealed for a more durable finish. Tumbled marble tile must be sealed because of its porous nature, especially if you are installing your mural in an area that will be exposed to humidity, such as in a bathroom or behind a kitchen range. Wait 72 hours after grouting before you apply your sealer. The better your sealer, the less chance you’ll have to re-seal your mural in the future.

4. Explore a sealer enhancer. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, these special sealers make the colors in your mural appear more vibrant. If you want to make a bold statement, consider a sealer enhancer.

5. Read the instructions. It may seem simple, but can’t be stated often enough: carefully review the instructions on everything you use before beginning the installation. Grout and sealer instructions vary widely in terms of application, drying time, and suitability for your project. Read carefully and choose wisely from a reputable dealer that specializes in tile rather than an all-purpose hardware store.

Whether you’re installing your mural yourself or working with a professional, with a few simple steps you’ll be enjoying your home’s new look in no time.

Keeping Your Tile Mural in Tip-Top Shape

by Peter Paslis

For many homeowners, a tile mural is more than just another pretty façade. Installed murals often serve a functional purpose, as a backsplash for a sink or stove or as a countertop on a bar or table. That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly care for your mural — whether it’s a permanent installation or a framed piece of art. Though tiles are certainly durable, with a little care you can keep your mural looking as beautiful as the day you purchased it.

Wipe it with water

A tile mural should be cleaned regularly using a soft, damp cloth or sponge and dried thoroughly. In the case of sprays, splatters or spills, speed is the key. Provided you act quickly, spots should come off quickly and easily with warm water. 

If you are trying to clean a tough spot, be sure to avoid bleach, ammonia and vinegar-based products. Some mild detergents and cleansers may be used, just be sure to read the label of each product carefully and test a small, inconspicuous section of the mural first. If you have to scour the surface of a tile, steer clear of steel wool—try a nylon brush or pad instead. Always avoid highly abrasive powders and cleaners.

Prevention is the best protection

For murals located in a high-splash zone, such as a bathroom wall or behind a stovetop, consider caulking and sealing.

A tile mural that is regularly exposed to water should be caulked from the start. This will not only protect the look and integrity of the mural, but also protect the subsurface to which the tiles are attached.

Even if your mural is not directly exposed to water, you still may consider applying a sealer to the tile and/or the grout. While glazed tiles can be easily wiped clean, more porous grout or unglazed marble tile may absorb a spill and become stained. By regularly applying a sealer to this type of tile or grout, you can prevent stains that will detract from the beauty of your mural.

Whether your mural is mainly aesthetic or highly functional, with the proper care it is sure to provide warmth and enjoyment for many years to come.

Interview with the Artist: Meet Paul Brent

by Peter Paslis

Custom Tile Art Murals is delighted to work with some of today’s most talented artists, bringing you their rich and varied works in a creative new medium: tile! Getting to know the artist behind the image can make your tile mural all the more meaningful, so we’re pleased to introduce you to today’s featured artist, Paul Brent.

Brent’s work is recognized worldwide, capturing Florida’s innate beauty on paper and canvas. Best known for his idyllic watercolors of coastal life, the artist describes his style as “contemporary realism — my work doesn’t look like the old masters, but like it was painted today.”

Brent has been painting and drawing since he was a small child. An Oklahoma native, he majored in art when he started college, but later switched to architecture. Brent painted solely for pleasure until the mid-‘70s, when he began to sell his work at galleries and art festivals — primarily pen and ink drawings of coastal wildlife tinted with light washes of watercolor.

Brent’s work has shown constant progression throughout his career, from the transparent tradition of watercolors to richer layered paintings that explore the depth of color possible with oils. When asked about his favorite themes, Brent remains enthusiastic about coastal and nature subjects. “I started out painting coastal wildlife, birds, fish and shells,” he explains, “and then moved to landscape and garden scenes.”

How does he choose his subjects? “I take time to explore and photograph scenes of interest when we travel to coastal locations like Hawaii, New England and the Caribbean. And of course, I can always find lots of great subjects at home in Florida.”

Brent met Custom Tile Art Murals at a New York trade show, and the rest is history. His art translates well to the tile medium for several reasons. Brent explains, “My work is crisp and clean, reproducing well because of its clarity. Another reason is the color palette — there is definition in both the color and the detail.”

Fans of this prolific artist are eagerly anticipating the newest directions for Brent’s art. In the works is a series of beach scenes in a primary color palette, as well as a spa series that uses metallic paint for accents.

From tropical landscapes and color-drenched florals to whimsical children’s art, Brent’s tile murals span a wide range of styles and decorating possibilities. To view the current selection, click on Featured Artist.

Peter Paslis is Vice President of Operations for Custom Tile Art Murals, a leading online resource for home accents that reflect your personal sense of style. Reach Peter at peterp@customtileartmurals.com or (973) 968-7050, and shop online at customtileartmurals.com.