Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Dyeing paper
• Expert advice
• Tips
• Necessities
• Paint the paper
• Paint the paper
• Dab the paper

Coffee stained paper is beautiful and unique. It has many uses, from school assignments to scrapbooks. You can use it to make an old looking letter or an old card. You can even smear a whole stack of paper and bind it in a sketchbook or journal! There are several ways to make such paper, and each one will give you a slightly different result!

To step

Method 1 of 3: Dyeing paper

1. Find a container large enough for your paper. You can also use a baking tray, a plastic cookie sheet, or even a plastic lid. The tray should be deep enough that you can fill it with coffee and submerge your paper.
2. Brew a pot of strong coffee. The stronger your coffee, the darker your paper will be. How much coffee you make depends on the size of your paper and drawer. You need enough coffee to fill your drawer.
   • You can also use cold leftover coffee.
3. Let the paper soak for about 5-10 minutes. The longer you soak the paper, the darker it will get. Sprinkle some coffee grounds over the paper for extra texture. This will give you some dark, weathered spots or blemishes.
4. Make a cup of strong coffee. You can make some fresh coffee, or you can make a cup of instant coffee. If you are making instant coffee, use three tablespoons of instant coffee with about 180 milliliters of water.
   • If the coffee is too dark, don't worry - you can always lighten it up a bit with more water.
   • The coffee can also be cold.
5. Ready.

Expert advice

• Use a lot of coffee when stirring the mixture for your paper. This will help get a better color.
• Paint on the paper with your coffee blend to create an artistic effect. Just make sure you don't completely soak the page when you do this or the paper may fall apart.
• Completely dissolve instant coffee that you are using. Instant coffee can work as long as it is completely dissolved, but if you want a darker paper, some coffee grounds may be left on the paper. Your paper can still be run through a printer!

Tips

• You can use hot or cold coffee when dyeing or painting the paper.
• If you don't have a waterproof tablecloth, you can use a cheap plastic tablecloth, plastic bag, or even a large sheet of waxed paper.
• Experiment with different types of coffee. Try it with dark, medium, or lightly roasted. Also try coffee with milk or creamer!
• If the paper is wrinkled, iron it between two pieces of thin cotton fabric. Use the lowest setting on your iron.
• Use your newly painted paper to write a letter, make a map, or a card.
• Leftover coffee from breakfast is useful!
• Do not over wet the paper.
• You don't have to use fancy coffee. Cheap coffee works fine!
• For best results, use cardstock. It is sturdier than printer paper and is less likely to tear.
• Add texture by sprinkling some coffee grounds on the paper while it is still wet. Wait a few minutes, then blot the coffee grounds away with kitchen paper.

Necessities

Paint the paper

• Paper
• Coffee
• Tray
• Oven or hairdryer
• Baking tray or waterproof tablecloth

Paint the paper

• Paper
• Coffee
• Cup
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Waterproof tablecloth
• Iron
• Thin fabric

Dab the paper

• Paper
• Coffee
• Paper towel
• Cup