DesignFind

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.