Easy DIY Portuguese Tiles: Create Stunning Hand-Painted Decor

Last Updated on May 25, 2025 by Beth Martin

Have you ever wandered through the streets of Lisbon or Porto, mesmerized by the stunning, colorful ceramic Portuguese tiles adorning buildings everywhere you look?

Those gorgeous decorative elements, known as azulejos, have been a defining element of Portuguese architecture for centuries—and now you can bring that timeless beauty into your own home with this simple DIY project!

I recently created a set of Portuguese-inspired tiles featuring designs based on my favorite spots in Charleston, SC, and I’m excited to share my process with you. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of Mediterranean charm to your kitchen backsplash, create a decorative accent wall, or just make a few beautiful coasters, this step-by-step guide will walk you through creating your own custom Portuguese-style tiles.

The best part? You don’t need to be an artistic genius to create something stunning. You’ll be amazed at what you can create with a few basic materials and some patience. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your own piece of Portuguese-inspired art!

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Supplies

Before getting started on your faux Portuguese tiles, gather these essential supplies:

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles (white tiles work best as your canvas)
• Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Ceramic Paint (I used three colors for my Charleston-inspired designs)
• A pencil for sketching your design
• Alcohol or alcohol wipes for preparing the tile surface – I like the little ones because you can use them to erase small details while painting.
• Paintbrushes in various sizes (fine-tipped brushes are helpful for details – I love this miniature set because they are super affordable and great quality)
• An oven for curing the paint

I found all my supplies at Floor and Decor and Amazon. The Pebeo Porcelaine 150 paint is specifically formulated for ceramic and glass surfaces and becomes dishwasher-safe after baking, making it perfect for this project.

Step 1: Sketch Your Design

The beauty of Portuguese azulejos lies in their intricate patterns and meaningful imagery. Traditional azulejos often feature geometric patterns, floral motifs, religious scenes, or depictions of important historical events.

For my project, I created designs inspired by Charleston, SC. I used my iPad and Procreate to design each tile before starting, but this step is not required. You can simply sketch directly onto paper first if you prefer, or look up traditional Portuguese tile patterns online for inspiration.

Some design ideas to consider:

• Geometric patterns with radial symmetry
• Florals and nature motifs
• Landmarks from your hometown
• Abstract interpretations of meaningful places
• Traditional Portuguese symbols

Remember, your tiles don’t have to look exactly like authentic Portuguese azulejos—this is your creative interpretation!

Step 2: Gather Materials

Once you’ve decided on your designs, it’s time to gather all your materials and set up your workspace. I recommend working in a well-ventilated area with good lighting. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic to protect it from paint.

Arrange your tiles, paints, brushes, and other supplies so they’re easily accessible. Having everything at hand will make the process much more enjoyable. I like to keep a cup of water nearby for rinsing brushes between colors.

Step 3: Prepare Tiles

This step is crucial for ensuring your paint adheres properly to the tile surface. Before painting, thoroughly clean each tile with rubbing alcohol. I cleaned each tile before I painted them to remove any oils, dust, or residue that might prevent the paint from sticking properly.

Use a cotton ball or alcohol wipe to wipe down the entire surface, then allow the tile to dry completely before painting. This usually only takes a few minutes.

Step 4: Sketch on the Tiles

Now comes the fun part! Using a pencil, lightly sketch your design onto the clean tile surface. Don’t worry about pressing too hard—a light touch is all you need since this will be covered by paint later.

If you’re concerned about making mistakes, you can use transfer paper to move your design from paper to tile. For more complex designs, I find it helpful to divide the tile into quadrants with very light pencil lines to keep everything symmetrical and properly positioned.

Try to keep your lines light so they won’t show through the paint, especially if you’re using lighter colors.

Step 5: Paint Your Designs

Using thin coats, slowly build up your painting as you go. Let each layer completely dry before adding the next. This patience pays off with a cleaner, more professional-looking result.

Don’t be scared to mix colors to create just the right shade! Traditional Portuguese tiles often use cobalt blue on white backgrounds, but don’t feel limited to this palette. My Charleston-inspired tiles incorporated blues, greens, and ochres to capture the feeling of the historic city.

Some painting tips:

• Start with lighter colors and work toward darker ones
• Use a smaller brush for detailed work and outlines
• For clean lines, allow the first color to dry completely before adding adjacent colors
• If you make a mistake, you can carefully remove small areas with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol

Take your time with this step! The joy of this project is in the process itself.

Step 6: Dry

When you are happy with your design, let the artwork dry for at least 24 hours. This ensures that all layers are completely dry before baking, preventing bubbling or other issues during the curing process.

I like to place my tiles in a safe, dust-free area while they dry. Patience is key here—even if the paint feels dry to the touch after a few hours, the deeper layers may still be wet.

Step 7: Bake to Set

This crucial step makes your tiles durable and long-lasting. Place your tiles in a cold oven, then preheat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to start with a cold oven to prevent thermal shock that could crack your tiles.

Bake the tiles for 30 minutes once the oven reaches temperature, then turn off the oven. Leave the tiles in the oven until they are cool to the touch. This gradual cooling process helps strengthen the bond between the paint and tile.

After baking, your design will be permanent and even dishwasher-safe, though I still recommend hand washing if you’re using the tiles as coasters.

Step 8: Install Your Masterpieces  

Now it’s time to show off your beautiful handiwork! Install the tiles in your desired location. I used my Charleston-inspired tiles as a surround on my faux fireplace, creating a stunning focal point in my living room.

These custom Portuguese-inspired tiles work beautifully as:

• Faux fireplace surrounds (like mine!)
• Kitchen backsplash accents
• Bathroom wall features
• Decorative trivets
• Coasters for your coffee table
• Custom wall art

Important safety note: While these tiles work wonderfully on decorative or faux fireplaces, they should NOT be used on real fireplace surrounds. The paint isn’t designed to withstand the high temperatures of an actual working fireplace, which could be a safety hazard.

If you’re using them in a location that will get wet (like a backsplash), you might want to add a clear sealer for extra protection, though the baked Pebeo paint is already quite durable.

The best part about creating your own DIY hand-painted Portuguese tiles is that they tell your story. My Charleston tiles capture memories of one of my favorite places, bringing those feelings into my home every day as I look at my beautiful fireplace.

That’s a Wrap

Creating your own Portuguese-inspired tiles is a rewarding, budget-friendly project that combines art, history, and personal expression. The finished pieces bring a touch of that gorgeous Mediterranean aesthetic to your home while reflecting your own unique style and meaningful places.

While authentic Portuguese azulejos are the product of centuries of artistic tradition and craftsmanship, this DIY version allows you to connect with that heritage while making something uniquely yours. Whether you stick to traditional blue and white patterns or branch out into more colorful, personalized designs like my Charleston-inspired series, you’ll end up with beautiful pieces that add character and charm to your space.

So gather your supplies, find some inspiration, and start creating your own little pieces of Portugal for your home. I’d love to see what you come up with!

Cheers!