I love the patina of an old map. There is something about the naturally aged paper that just gives off a feeling of a time gone by. To find really old, beautiful maps can be difficult and pricey. I really wanted to give my recent project (see the full tutorial HERE) the feeling of an antique, so I altered the finish slightly.
The technique I used is really simple but does require a few items from the craft store.
Supplies needed: map, fine grit sandpaper 220-Grit
, andTuskineko 2-Ounce Walnut Ink Antiquing Solution Spray
The colors in a new poster are fairly “bright,” so use the fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the paper.
Don’t overdo it! You don’t want to make a hole in the paper, just take the edge off the color. 🙂
I used two different antique solutions, but one would work just fine. If you’ve never used these before be sure to practice on a scrap piece of paper first. The key is to just mist the paper. DO NOT WIPE the solution off. Lightly dab the excess solution with a paper towel and it will give you the effect of paper aged over time.
This is really easy to do and fairly inexpensive. The antiquing solution can be a little pricey, but it lasts a long time. I think I purchased mine from Micheal’s, so you can always use a coupon and get it for at least 40% off.
If you have another way you like to distress/antique paper, I’d love to know about it! Just leave a comment.
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I love your DIY tutorials. Just thought I would also mention the old tea bag/coffee stained aged paper look. I printed some gun patents from the archives website, painted over them with brewed coffee (I was out of tea…haha), and while it was wet pulled off some of the edges to give it a worn look. I ended up modge-podging them to old pallet planks and I am very pleased with the end result!
Shannon, great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Hi! Did you use a waxy poster or was it just paper?
I want to do something like this for a map I’m mounting on wood planks. However, the map I bought from Nat Geo is on a glossy paper thicker than regular paper. Do you know if this method will work on that type of paper…it’s like a poster finish. Thank you
Helen, I’m not sure? Lightly sanding it might do the trick, but if you can test it on something similar I would do that first.
Thanks much.
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