Q&A for How to Make Parchment Like Paper for Writing

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I print successfully on this paper?
    Community Answer
    For best results, print your document or image first, and then follow these instructions.
  • Question
    What do I do if I don't have a candle?
    Community Answer
    Use a long lighter or a match - but always do it over a metal sink, or outside with water nearby.
  • Question
    What should I do if it doesn't yellow with the tea method?
    Community Answer
    Put in the tea longer, maybe 10 minutes. Or, you could mix some yellow paint with water (1:3 ratio) and paint it on the paper.
  • Question
    Would I write on the paper before or after this process?
    Community Answer
    You would want to age the paper first so the ink doesn't run. I use paper like this all the time and it's very easy to write on. Also, you can make large batches and dry them in the oven. Bake them on a wax paper lined cookie sheet at 300 degrees for about 7-10 minutes. Stay near the oven, though, don't leave them unsupervised!
  • Question
    How do I do this with tea?
    Community Answer
    You do it the same way. You should use a black tea and at least three tea bags.
  • Question
    Can I use parchment-like paper in a printer to print something?
    Community Answer
    No; the paper might get stuck or any coating could melt in the printer. Print on normal paper, then parchment-ify it!
  • Question
    Do I have to use a pan?
    Community Answer
    No, but if you don't use a pan, you won't have the small brown spots you would get normally with aged parchment.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a candle, long match, or a lighter?
    Community Answer
    The slightly singed edges won't be achieved without the use of a candle, long match or lighter. You could possibly use black paint but, it won't give the same impact and other use of fire may be dangerous. If your parents or an older sibling are willing to help, ask them to do the singeing part of the tutorial for you.
  • Question
    How do I burn the sides without the middle of the paper catching on fire?
    Community Answer
    Hold it far enough away from the paper so that it doesn't burn, but close enough for the heat to turn the edges black/brown and shriveled.
  • Question
    Can I roll up my parchment like paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. However, the blackened edges from the candle burning might fall off a bit from the added pressure of rolling.
  • Question
    Can I color on the parchment like paper with color pencils and crayons?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it may be hard since the water makes it crumbled and the tea is brown. Try using darker color instead of neon colors, such as pink, orange, yellow, etc. Also, do not worry if it makes a crinkling sound, since it is normal due to the dried-up tea and crumbled paper.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article