If you love the timeless charm of Delft tiles but aren't keen on handling delicate antiques, this tutorial is perfect for you. We’re going to show you how to create your own faux Delft wall tiles using IOD products, offering a creative and accessible way to bring vintage elegance to your home. This project is not only a perfect beginner tutorial for inlays but also leaves plenty of room for personalization and creative expression.

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Delft Traditions Azure Paint Inlay
• IOD Stone Grey Ink
• IOD Vintage Textures Stamp
• IOD Ink Pad
• IOD Brayer

Other Supplies: 

• 6” Travertine Tiles
• Soft white chalk paint
• Misting Bottle
• Matte Sealer
• Stick-on wall hangers

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1 - Prepare Your Tiles

Start by giving your tiles a thorough wipe down with a wet paper towel, especially if they arrived dusty. Once clean and dry, apply a coat of soft white chalk paint. Dab off any excess paint to minimize brush strokes, or use an IOD silicone blade for an ultra-smooth finish. Let the paint dry completely.

Step 2 - Plan Your Design

Cut out your inlay pieces and plan your layout. Delft tiles often feature corner accents, so consider adding those to your design.

Step 3 - Apply the Second Coat of Paint and Inlays

Next, apply a second coat of soft white chalk paint to your tiles. While the paint is still wet, mist the backs of your inlay pieces and carefully place them onto the tile. Be sure to press them down firmly, using your brayer or fingers to smooth out any brush marks. Allow the tiles to dry until the paper is dry to the touch.

Step 4 - Remove the Inlays

Once dry, lightly mist the inlays again and slowly peel them back. If they resist, add a bit more water to ease the process. The inlays should remove cleanly without much effort.

Step 5 - Distress and Add Texture

For a vintage, aged look, use the IOD Vintage Texture Stamps with Stone Gray Decor Ink. Gently dab the stamp onto the tiles to create subtle distressing. You can also rub the ink pad over the corners to add extra worn texture.

Step 6 - Finishing Touches

If you'd like to use your tiles as wall décor, attach adhesive wall hangers to the back. Be sure they're centered and aligned with your design (and pay special care not to accidentally put them on the bottom instead of the top! 😉)

And there you have it—beautiful, vintage-inspired faux Delft tiles that bring a touch of timeless elegance to any space. Whether you hang them on the wall or display them on a coffee table, these tiles are sure to be a conversation starter.

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!