Q&A for How to Make Coffee Stained Paper

You could try but it might damage either the paper or the printer, so I would recommend printing the text on the paper first and then staining it.

Yes, of course. But make sure you wait until it has dried completely before writing on it.

It's possible if you use an inkjet printer, but if you use a laser printer, you shouldn't have any problem with the ink bleeding.

Yes, you can do anything with this paper that you would do with regular paper (except for printing on it).

Make maps for scavenger hunts, or just hang it up with designs on it.

It won't fade when you stain it.

Yes. Just make sure it isn't so dark that you can't see your writing. I could use a flick method with a paintbrush for an older vibe.

No, that is unsafe and very bad for the printer.

If the marker is water-based, it will. Mr. Sketch markers will work well, but Crayola markers won't.

No, you can use an ordinary pen, but be careful as the paper will be fragile.

Sharpie ink may bleed, but pen ink shouldn't, as long as it is dry.

Ballpoint pens and water-resistant pens like permanent markers won't run.

I wouldn't. If you try to stain multiple papers at once, then there might be some spots on the papers in the middle that didn't get stained.

Usually letter sized printer paper is what I go with. I think it's just the right thickness. You can try sketch paper, although it might not absorb neatly.

You can use colors, but the colors might end up looking different after you've stained the paper.

The paper may disintegrate. Just leave it to soak for 10-15 minutes.

It depends on what method you want to use for it.If you want to blow dry it, it'll take a while to dry but if you want to bake-dry it (preheated oven at 200°F (94°C) for 5 to 10 minutes) then it will not take long but you still have to cool it off before doing anything. I would do the bake-dry because it's easier and faster.

Any cheap coffee works. My personal preference is instant coffee because it takes less time to make it, but it is totally up to you.

You don't need to use foil; the paper will generally not stick to the tray you are baking it on.

Well, for the pens and markers, since it has ink, it will only smudge on the page and will not come off or go away. But for the pencil...I assume it will also become smudged but you may not notice it after you stain the paper.

Of course, but if you do, wait until it is completely dry. If you are making a map and want some wrinkles in it, you could do it before, then unfold it and then do the steps above.

You would do this the same way as you would with new paper but be a lot gentler, as older paper is likely to be more fragile.