Introduction: How to Make Paper Old

This is my first instructable so please be nice!

My brother needed old looking paper for a school project, when the tea bags didn't make the paper look old enough I looked and looked online and couldn't find a good how to, so I made my own.


What you Will Need

- Paper
- Coffee
- A Spoon
- Two Trays (One being metal for the oven)
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Cotton Balls



Step 1: Getting the Trays Ready.

The first step would be to make a strong pot of coffee, the stronger the coffee the darker the paper. Make enough to fill the bottom of the non-oven tray and make sure it's big enough to fit a piece of paper. I made about a cup and a half with 8 tablespoons of coffee.

Next, Fill the tray with the coffee and let it cool off.

Also, preheat the oven to 250.

Step 2: Burn the Edges of the Paper.


Now this step may be a bit tricky. You can use a lighter over you're sink but I found that the paper burned too quick. I used the stove top and placed it on a low heat and it burned the edges very nicely and with less smoke.

Step 3: Let It Soak


Next place the paper in the tray of coffee and let it soak for at least a minute on each side. You can leave it in there as long as you like until you feel it's the stain of paper you want it to be. Use the spoon to prevent the paper from curling.

Step 4: Oven Time


Next take the tongs and place the paper on the metal oven pan. ( I used one with groves to give the paper that effect)  Makes sure to let all the coffee drip off.

Place the paper in the over for about 5 minutes or until dry.

Step 5: Red Wine

Now once paper is dry take it out of the oven and place on the place. Get you're red wine vinegar and the cotton balls. Put the vinegar where ever on the paper you like then dab off with the cotton ball to give it a more stain effect.

Step 6: And You're Done!

Let the paper dry and then use it for whatever you would like! Please feel free to post you're pictures!