How to Coffee (tea) Stain Paper
- wendyasmann
- Feb 8, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Have you ever noticed how intriguing old paper is, or loved the discoloration and texture of the pages in an old book? In this post, I'll guide you through the simple process of transforming ordinary paper into an antique look with the help of coffee.
There’s something timeless and comforting about the look of aged paper—like discovering an old letter tucked away in a forgotten attic. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that vintage charm, learning how to coffee stain paper is a simple and satisfying way to do it.
Coffee-stained paper offers numerous creative possibilities, and my personal favorites are using it for decoupage crafts and adding an image to an old picture frame. Last summer, my granddaughter decided she wanted to host a scavenger hunt for her friends. We spent the afternoon coffee staining plain sheets of paper to create her treasure map. It was such a fun project, and the aged look of the paper made the whole adventure feel even more magical—the kids were convinced they had a real old map in their hands!
You can easily find free printable images online, here’s a link to the website I used for free farmhouse printable. Search “farmhouse,” “farmhouse chickens,” or “farmhouse cows” — whatever you’re into, there’s something there for everyone.
Coffee staining paper is a simple and satisfying process that lets you create multiple aged pages at once—perfect for making a beautiful, vintage-style journal. Just imagine one sitting on your nightstand! The images I’m sharing can also be resized to fit picture frames, turning coffee-stained greeting cards into charming wall art. You can even use this technique to make one-of-a-kind gift wrap. The creative possibilities are truly endless!
If you love aged paper and Primitive Farmhouse Style, take a look at our Etsy shop for these charming, grungy rusty cans — full of rustic character and vintage appeal! Use this link to visit our shop and browse all our handmade favorites.
Check out these free farmhouse printable‘s at https://thegraphicsfairy.com/farmhouse-style-images-kit/
Let's dive into the exciting part – how to achieve that vintage paper look with coffee. In my experience, instant coffee is the most effective choice. It imparts a deeper color more quickly, but a cup of brewed coffee will also work just not as well in my opinion.
Supplies
Water
Instant Coffee
Paper you want to stain
A tray that will withstand boiling water
How To Tea Stain Paper with Coffee
Here's how to create that coffee-stained effect on paper. Mix 4 to 6 tablespoons of instant coffee with 3 cups of boiling water in a tray. Once the instant coffee is fully dissolved, submerge your paper for about a minute, or a little longer if you desire a deeper hue.
Remember, the more coffee you use and the longer you let it soak, the darker your paper will become. In the coffee-stained photos I've shared, I used 6 tablespoons of coffee and 3 cups of water.
The coffee stained paper will dry lighter. Don’t worry if it looks a little orange when it’s wet. To dry the wet paper I placed them on a paper towel to soak up access water, then I put them on a plastic place mat to finish drying.
TIP: If your image isn't dark enough, it's simpler to add extra instant coffee to the water. Conversely, if you initially use too much coffee and the result is too dark, dilute it by adding more water.
There's no definitive method for this – the beauty of antiques and aged items lies in their imperfections. Each flaw adds a unique character and charm to the piece. I hope you take pleasure in this little project and let your creativity run free.
Lia Rose Simply Home Etsy Shop
Free Farmhouse Printable
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