How to Make Tea Stained Paper

Stain paper with tea bags to give it a vintage look.

Staining white paper with tea bags makes the paper appear old. You can stain paper with tea bags to make your own stationary, or you can age a document to give it a vintage look. Making your own tea-stained paper is inexpensive, and you can use it to enhance a variety of items such as journals and school projects.

Things You'll Need

• Tea bags
• Hot water
• White paper
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Place two to three tea bags in hot water to steep for 10 minutes.

2. Remove the tea bags from the water and allow them to cool off completely.

3. Hold the top of the tea bag in one hand. Hold the paper still with your other hand. Brush the tea bags over the paper evenly.

4. Place the paper on a flat surface that the tea will not stain. Place wax paper between papers to keep them from sticking. Once the paper dries, brush the tea bags evenly on the back of the paper.

5. Inspect the paper for imperfections. Repeat brushing the tea bags over the paper until you achieve the desired hue. You may need to steep new tea bags if you want a darker color.

Tips & Warnings

• You can apply the tea to the paper with a paintbrush or sponge for different effects. Discard the tea bags, and use the hot water to age the paper.

• Add character to the paper by crumpling it, burning the edges or adding tears.

• If you want the paper to remain flat, place a book on top of it while it dries.

References

• Craft at Home: Tea Staining Paper
• TLC: How Stuff Works: Using Used Tea Bags to Stain Paper