Engraving on White Tiles using the Norton White Tile Method with Spray Paint
Laser Larry
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Design Files
White Tile - NWT.xcs
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Details
Comments
Remixes
Contents
Introduction
Basic Information
Instruction
Step1: Prepare your white tiles.
Step2: Engrave your artwork.
Design Files
Engraving ceramic tiles with a diode laser introduces a problem just like glass engraving. As the diode laser creates the design, it micro-fractures the surface of the ceramic tile. This creates two issues. The first is that the glazed tile surface is waterproof, but the laser chisels away from this layer — the tile is no longer completely waterproof and is therefore unsuitable for anywhere that it may get wet.
Secondly, as with engraving glass, laser engraving brings no color to the tile. Unlike wood which chars and engraves an attractive brown color, the engraved ceramic tile needs to be colored afterward. You can rub colored paint or powder into the engraving and seal it over with a varnish or protective finish.
However, there is a technique that can be used to create a permanent engraving on tile while keeping it completely waterproof — a totally usable laser engraved tile that can be installed anywhere!
Known among the laser community as the Norton White Tile Method, or NWT method, the science behind it has been well-known by scientists for years but the method of using the hobby laser has been perfected by Nicky Norton.
The Norton White Tile method (NWT) relies upon coating the regular white ceramic tile with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and then firing the laser at it. Now, TiO2 is fortunately found in many white paints — it actually gives the paint its white color, making it quite easy to obtain, and it has no health issues to be careful of (other than handling the spray paint).
Different paints have different formulations and varying amounts of TiO2, so some experimentation will be needed. Although Rust-Oleum white spray paints have been found to be very suitable, even cheaper ‘no brand’ versions have had success.
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Step 1: Prepare your white tiles.
You first need to coat your white tiles with the Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). Cover the tiles with a smooth, even, and thin layer of your TiO2 mixture. Let them thoroughly dry.
There are basically two methods of creating your TiO2 mixture:
You can purchase TiO2 powder and mix with water. Usually, a tablespoon of tiO2 to a cup of hot water is sufficient. I've read where some people use ethanol instead of water, or even add a little school glue to the mixture. You can brush or spray the mixture onto your tile. Don't make too much TiO2 solution, as it hardens in your container when it cools down.
I prefer the spray paint method. Many spray paints use TiO2 to help create the white paint color. I've found the Rust-Oleum paint in Smokey Beige color works best. I believe it has a high percentage of TiO2.
Step 2: Engrave your artwork.
Setting 1
Process Method
Bitmap Laser Engrave
Process Material
White atile
Power(%) or Cut Pressure(g)
100
Speed(mm/s)
1200
Lines per cm
318
Pass
1
Bitmap mode
Grayscale
Once the tiles are dry, you can engrave your artwork. Of course, you'll need to adjust the grayscale on any bitmap graphics. When dialed in, photos look outstanding on the white tile.
When done engraving, use paint thinner/remover and thoroughly clean your tiles, removing the TiO2 paint. When completed, the engraved white tile is waterproof and permanent. The black etching won't wear off.
You first need to coat your white tiles with the Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). Cover the tiles with a smooth, even, and thin layer of your TiO2 mixture. Let them thoroughly dry.
There are basically two methods of creating your TiO2 mixture:
Once the tiles are dry, you can engrave your artwork. Of course, you'll need to adjust the grayscale on any bitmap graphics. When dialed in, photos look outstanding on the white tile.
When done engraving, use paint thinner/remover and thoroughly clean your tiles, removing the TiO2 paint. When completed, the engraved white tile is waterproof and permanent. The black etching won't wear off.