How Does One Make a Document Look Old?
Changing the background on an electronic document before printing or using a staining liquid for hard copies will make paper look old. There are a number of different methods that will give paper an aged look.
One of the easiest ways to make a document appear to be old is through electronic means. Many word processing programs offer users the ability to change the appearance of the document background by adding colors and textures. For example, Microsoft Word offers a Fill Effects option that includes a parchment texture.
Other programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, provide similar options, but the process involves additional steps. Users must create a new document, select a size, and pick a background color. The aged appearance of the page occurs through the use of filters and blending. The program includes a Burn option that allows users to darken the edges of the page as well. The finished product becomes a usable background that can be imported into text-based electronic documents.
However, it is also possible to create an aged look on hard copy paper by using everyday items such as coffee or tea. Smooth-textured paper tends not to soak fluid as well and craft sites suggest using paper that feels more rough to the touch. First, dissolve coffee grounds in warm water. Place the paper in a roasting pan and pour in the coffee. Allow the paper to soak and dry for an aged effect.
