We've all seen them in high end homes, in magazine articles and on television; those gorgeous, painted tile back splashes, counters and table tops. They add such character and beauty to kitchens and baths.

I love the look of tile murals. I've created a number of them myself and it's easier and more inexpensive than you think! Whether it's a full miniature mural or a simplistic ornamental design, creating a tile mural can add interest and beauty to your home with these easy techniques.

Though beautiful, tile murals can also hide the ugliest tile surfaces and can be the perfect solution to updating your home without the expense and work of replacing tile counter tops, walls or back splashes.
For a new tile mural (to be installed), start by purchasing simple and inexpensive tiles from your local home or hardware store. Simple white ceramic tiles are as little as twenty cents per tile. Purchase enough tiles to fit your intended space.

Lay the tiles out on newspaper on a flat surface so that they fit together in the shape and size you need.
Priming the tiles is your next order of business. Priming allows the paint to stick to the slick ceramic surface without peeling up in the future. I prefer Zinser's "BIN" primer. This particular primer sticks to slick surfaces and allows complete adhesion of paint products.

Coat the surface of each tile with 2-3 coats of primer and allow them to dry completely.
If you would like your tiles to have a back ground color, this would be your next step. Acrylic craft paints work well for both background colors and painting or stenciling the design.
If you have that artistic ability, you can now simply begin painting your mural right over the top of your background color.

But what if you don't have an artistic bone in your body? Stencils to the rescue! Overlay stencil designs allow you to create designs that appear completely hand painted. Many websites on the internet feature gorgeous designs that would suit the purpose perfectly.

The design you choose doesn't have to mimic a scenery mural. Try a large rose design in the center with a simple vine border and roses in the corners. Or consider an architectural style design such as an Italian urn. Are you a "country" lover? How about doing a stencil design of a large rooster? Designs are simply a matter of taste but choose something that you truly love.

With the tiles still placed close together in your lay-out, stencil your design as desired with acrylic craft paints. Allow the design to dry completely.

A sealer is vital to your new design staying put and being durable. Choose a non-yellowing, clear polyurethane. Your local home or hardware store carries many brands.

Mount your tiles according to standard tile installation instructions.

Consider adding a design to your current back splash, counter top or tub surround with the same technique! Please note that different sealers may be needed for bath or shower surrounds. Ask you local home store employee for assistance in choosing the correct sealer for this application.