Coloring paper with coffee will make it more interesting and unique! In addition, this paper also has many uses. Paper can be used to do schoolwork or make a scrapbook. You can also use paper that has been stained with coffee to write ancient letters or draw maps. Plus, you can color lots of paper and turn it into a sketchbook or journal! There are several methods for coloring paper with coffee, and each method will give a different result!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dyeing Paper
Step 1. Prepare a tray that can accommodate all sections of paper
Alternatively, you can also use a baking sheet, plastic container, or plastic lid. The tray used must be deep enough so that all parts of the paper can be completely submerged in the coffee.
Step 2. Brew a cup of strong coffee
The thicker the coffee used, the darker the paper will be. How much coffee you need will depend on the size of the paper and the tray. The coffee should be able to fill the tray to the brim.
You can also use leftover coffee
Step 3. Pour the coffee into the tray
Fill the tray with coffee and make sure the paper is completely submerged in it. Coffee with a depth of 1.5-2.5 cm is an ideal choice.
Step 4. Soak the paper in the coffee
Soak the paper in a tray filled with coffee. Push the paper down with your hands. If the coffee is too hot, or you don't want to use your hands, paint over the paper with a brush until it's completely submerged in the coffee.
Step 5. Let the paper soak for 5-10 minutes
The longer the paper is left to soak, the darker the color will be. To make it more textured, sprinkle a little coffee grounds on the surface of the paper. This will result in dark spots on the surface of the paper.
Step 6. Remove the paper from the tray
Use both hands to lift the paper from the coffee. Spread the paper over the tray, and let the coffee drip off. Be careful when removing paper because wet paper is very fragile.
Step 7. Dry the paper
There are two ways to dry paper: using the oven or a hairdryer. Drying the paper in the oven will make it darker and more textured. A hairdryer will make the paper softer and brighter. Below is how to dry the paper:
- Using the oven: place the paper in a baking sheet and place it in the oven at 100°C for 5-10 minutes.
- Using a hairdryer: lay the paper on the tablecloth, then dry it with a hairdryer. Turn the paper over to the dry part of the tablecloth, then dry again. Wipe the remnants of coffee that stick with a tissue.
Step 8. Let the paper cool
Once dry, remove the paper from the pan or tablecloth. Place the paper in a safe place for a few minutes to allow the temperature to return to normal.
Method 2 of 3: Painting Paper
Step 1. (This method will make the paper color less dark)
Step 2. Prepare a cup of strong coffee
You can brew coffee using a coffee maker. As an alternative, you can also use instant coffee. If using instant coffee, mix 3 tablespoons of instant coffee with at least 180 milliliters of water.
- If the coffee is too dark, you can lighten it by adding water.
- You can use cold coffee.
Step 3. Lay the paper on a waterproof surface
Instead, paint the paper on a waterproof tablecloth. If you don't have this tablecloth, you can use 2 pans. Make sure the pan is cleaned first.
Step 4. Paint the paper with coffee
Use a paintbrush or foam brush to paint the coffee onto the surface of the paper. Paint the paper from side to side evenly. Do not rotate the brush over the paper surface. Also, make sure that there are no white spots on the surface of the paper. Make sure the coffee is evenly distributed on the paper.
The paper will get a little wet, but don't paint the paper until it's soggy
Step 5. Turn the paper over
Gently lift the paper and then turn it over. Lay the paper on a dry tablecloth. If using a baking sheet, place the paper on a second, dry and clean baking sheet.
Step 6. Paint the back of the paper
Use the same technique as before. Do not paint the paper until it becomes too soft.
Step 7. Let the paper dry
Move the paper to a safe place. Allow the paper to dry completely. The paper will dry for a few hours or overnight.
Step 8. Smooth the paper with an iron
If the paper is still wet after leaving it overnight or looks wrinkled, you can iron it. Slide the paper between two thin sheets of cloth, such as a napkin or cotton gauze. Turn on the iron then select the wool setting, and let it heat up. Iron the surface of the paper evenly, then let it cool.
Method 3 of 3: Clap the Paper
Step 1. Add a spoonful of coffee to a paper towel
Use real ground coffee and not instant coffee. If you don't have a tissue, you can use a round ground coffee filter.
Step 2. Wrap the coffee in a tissue
Tie all corners of the tissue. Twist the tissue around the coffee, like wrapping candy. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent the coffee grounds from leaking out. If necessary, you can tie the tissue with string.
Step 3. Dip a paper towel filled with coffee in the water
Fill a bowl or cup with hot water. Dip a tissue in hot water, then squeeze it gently.
Step 4. Pat the paper with coffee paper towels
Pat the entire surface of the paper with a paper towel filled with coffee. The more you pat, the darker the paper will be. You can try patting the paper a narrow or wide distance.
You can also paint paper with water. This can help smooth out the color
Step 5. Let the paper dry
When you're done staining with coffee, move the paper to a safe place and let it dry. The paper will dry after letting it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6. Done
Expert Advice
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Use an adequate amount of coffee when coloring paper.
This is done so that the color of the paper looks more beautiful and striking.
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Paint the paper with coffee to make it more artistic.
Make sure the paper doesn't get soaked and soggy.
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Dissolve instant coffee until perfect.
Instant coffee can be a good alternative if it is properly dissolved. However, if you want a darker paper color, coffee grounds may remain on the paper surface. Don't worry, paper can still be used for printing machines.
Tips
- You can use hot or cold coffee.
- If the paper becomes wrinkled, tuck the paper between two sheets of cheesecloth and iron. Choose the lowest ironing temperature.
- If you don't have a waterproof tablecloth, you can use a plastic tablecloth, plastic bag, or wax paper.
- Try using different types of coffee. You can use coffee with a dark, medium, or light roast. You can also try coffee that has been mixed with milk or creamer.
- Use coffee-colored paper to write letters, make maps, or write cards.
- Do not wet the paper until it is soft.
- Leftover coffee can also be used as an alternative!
- For satisfactory results, use thick paper. This paper is stronger than ordinary paper and does not tear easily.
- You don't need to use expensive coffee. Coffee at affordable prices can still be used.
- Make the paper more textured by sprinkling coffee grounds while the paper is still wet. Wait a few minutes, then wipe the paper with a tissue.
