Sometimes, a message has a far more valuable meaning than the paper on which it was written. You can make any paper, whether a homemade greeting card, a handwritten letter with sentimental value, or a document, last longer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can add a protective layer to make your paper and documents waterproof and more durable.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Waxing the Paper
Step 1. Gather the materials for coating the paper
You can rub ordinary wax into the document, but more complete protection can be obtained by dipping. To wax paper, all you need is:
- Ordinary candle (or beeswax)
- Metal pan (optional; for dipping)
- Paper
- Tongs (optional; for dyeing)
Step 2. Know the candle options available
If you have to, you can use regular homemade candles, even scented candles, to make the paper smell good. Colored candles can change the color of your paper, giving it a creative and fun touch.
- Paraffin has long been used to make clothes, canvas, and various other items waterproof. Make sure you use paraffin in a well-ventilated area as its combustion produces carbon fumes which are toxic if inhaled.
- Non-toxic coating wax, such as beeswax or Otter Wax, which does function as an item coating, is the best choice.
Step 3. Prepare your paper
The paper should be spread on a flat and sturdy surface and free of dust or dirt. Don't get your paper stained until it's protected! Tidy and clean your work area.
Step 4. Apply the wax
It's a good idea to test the wax on another paper before applying it to the paper you want to preserve. The level of softness of each type of wax is different. By rubbing the wax against another paper, you can determine the best pressure strength. The wax must be applied to the entire surface of the document you want to coat, both the front and back, until it feels smooth and waxy.
- You will need to rub repeatedly gently so the wax sticks to the paper. You can also press the wax firmly against the paper if you want a thick layer.
- Don't rub too hard so you don't tear the paper.
Step 5. Apply with a dip technique
The scrubbing technique takes a long time and sometimes leaves areas of the paper uncoated. The beeswax can be melted in a saucepan or skillet so you can immediately dip the document you want to preserve in the wax. Heat the candle over medium heat until it forms a liquid. If using your hands, be careful not to burn your fingers while dipping the paper.
- Dip the document briefly, to coat it. Use the tweezers to completely dip the document.
- If using your hands, submerge the document only partially. Hold the dry end of the paper until the wax layer adheres and cools. After that, flip the document over and dip in the uncoated areas.
Step 6. Check the result
Now, the wax will stick to the surface of the paper and protect it from getting wet, dirt, or even dust. If any of the wax doesn't stick, the paper can still get wet and damage. Take the wax and coat any missed areas, or even those where the wax layer looks thin.
Use your finger to check it. Especially for light colored candles so that the coating is not visible, you can easily feel which areas have been missed. Instead of feeling smooth and slick, the area will feel rough and paper-textured
Step 7. Warm and preserve the wax-coated paper
This is the best way to make the wax stick firmly to the document. You will need to warm up the wax, gently smoothing it out, using a heat source such as a hairdryer. Be sure to warm both sides of the paper.
- Be careful when heating it; do not let the wax come off completely. You just want to soften it so that it soaks into the paper fibers more.
- If using another heat source or direct fire, such as a creme brulee torch, use extreme care. Don't let a fire break out and you lose the document forever.
Step 8. Treat the wax coating
While the wax coating can protect the paper from exposure to the elements, the coating will wear off over time. Heat can melt the wax coating. So, it's best to keep documents away from sunlight and heat. Except from heat and light, the wax coating will protect your document as long as the coating remains.
- To re-coat a document, you just need to rub the wax over the remaining layer on the document.
- Wax coating on documents that are frequently handled and used will wear off faster. Check the document every few weeks for thinning or missing layers.
- A wax coating on a document that is kept out of light and heat and properly cared for can last a year or more.
Method 2 of 3: Coating Paper with Alum
Step 1. Prepare the necessary equipment
To make the paper water resistant, you will create a solution that changes the surface of the fibers as well as their absorbency. This method not only makes the paper waterproof but also more durable. You will need:
- Alum 225 grams (look for it in the spices section of the grocery store or buy it online)
- Castile Soap 100 grams (grated)
- Water 2.25 liters
- Arabic gum 60 grams
- 120 ml natural glue
- Flat (but deep) tray or wide bowl
- Tongs
Step 2. Prepare the drying area
After dipping into the solution, the paper needs to be hung to dry. Wire or clothesline is suitable for this process, but dripping solution can damage floors or fabrics that are not intended to be waterproof. Make sure the drops fall into the proper container, onto rags or newsprint.
Step 3. Prepare the water
To mix the ingredients well, you need slightly warm water. Once warm, add the ingredients one by one.
Step 4. Stir until smooth
You need to stir the ingredients until they are perfectly blended. At this point, don't let the water get too hot; hot, but not boiling.
The stirring process may take a few minutes. Be patient and mix the ingredients well
Step 5. Transfer the solution to the immersion stage
Keep the solution away from heat and let it cool for a while. While the solution is still warm, pour it into a large but deep flat tray or into a wide bowl. This will make the paper dyeing process easier.
Step 6. Dip the paper into the alum solution
Clamp the paper with tongs, then dip it into the solution until it is evenly coated. Do not leave the paper submerged in the solution for too long. Just a moment, until the front and back are coated.
Step 7. Dry the paper
Once coated, lift and hang the paper on wire or rope. You can also use a drying wire rack wrapped in wax paper. The wax paper will prevent the table from being negatively affected by the solution.
Method 3 of 3: Coating the Paper with Lacquer
Step 1. Prepare the equipment needed for coating with lacquer
You will need to combine white lacquers with various other ingredients to make a coating solution. These materials can be purchased at craft stores or pharmacies. The ingredients are:
- White lacquer 140 grams
- Borax 30 grams
- 500 ml water
- Flat (but deep) tray or wide bowl
- Tongs
Step 2. Prepare the drying area
Once dipped in the solution, the paper will need to dry, but splashes of lacquer can damage your floors or furniture. The best way to dry it is to hang a lacquer-coated document on newsprint.
You can also use a wire drying rack lined with wax paper
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Heat the water to below the boiling point, as when making hard-boiled eggs or heating food by boiling it. Add the ingredients one by one, then stir until smooth.
Step 4. Strain the residue through a tightly perforated sieve
The process of pooling the materials usually leaves a residual lump in the solution. The more residue there is, the more turbid the solution will be. Therefore, you will need to filter the solution through a tightly perforated sieve. Once the solution seems clear enough, strain it straight into the tray or wide bowl you prepared.
Cheese wrappers or gauze are perfect for filtering the solution, if a tight-fitting filter is not available
Step 5. Apply the solution
Once the lacquer solution is in a deep bowl or tray (for easy immersion), pick up the paper with tongs. Dip the paper briefly, but make sure everything is submerged, in the solution, then dry in the dryer.
Tips
- Use scented candles for scented paper.
- Use colored candles to add a creative and fun touch.
- If beeswax or paraffin is not available or too expensive, you can use tar oil. You just have to dry it at the right temperature so the tar oil doesn't melt. Choose a method of application that does not soil or damage your wooden furniture, tables, or clothes.
Warning
- Be careful when pointing the paper at the fire.
- Do not leave the candle lit.
