Techniques for Distress Ink

Crumpled Paper Technique

• If you want your paper to look like it was dug out of an old book, this technique can help. Crumple your piece of paper and then smooth the paper out with your hands. Rub a Distress Ink pad over the surface of the paper. Use one color or a variety of colors to get the appearance you desire. Use a spray bottle with a fine mist to spritz the paper. The ink will feather out into the creases of the wrinkled paper. With your household iron set on low heat, iron the paper to dry the ink. Make sure the paper is completely dry before using it with a project.

Craft Sheet Technique

• This technique will give your paper the look an old paper that has had something spilled on it. You can purchase a non-stick craft sheet from the craft store. You can use both the ink pads and the re-inkers to apply the colors you want to the craft sheet. Spritz the sheet with water until the colors begin to blend together. Press the sheet of paper onto the craft sheet. Gently pull the sheet of paper off the craft sheet. You can dry the sheet with an iron; use a hair drier or heat gun to speed up drying time.

Photos

• If you love the look of old photos that have been tinted, this technique is for you. Print your photo in black and white, sepia or any other tone you prefer. Make sure to apply the lightest color first onto the photo with a piece of craft foam or small paintbrush dipped in ink. After you have finished tinting your picture rub the pad across the edges of the photo to give it an aged look. For a final effect use medium grit sandpaper to make scratches on the photo.

Wood

• If you have a piece of furniture that looks too "new" for your décor, use Distress Ink to make the furniture look worn. Run a piece of medium grit sandpaper over the edges of the wood to give them the look of excess wear. If the wood has been painted, use the sandpaper to expose the wood grain. Pick a Distress Ink color that complements the finish or color of the furniture. Run the ink pad over the exposed wood. You can seal the wood with a polyurethane sealant to protect the color.