For a touch of class, try staining

by Maryjane Butters
| February 27, 2011 8:00 PM

Who doesn't have a soft spot in their heart for antiques? That timeworn tint seems to hold the magic of countless years and experiences. But what if you want to help the process along? What if you want to - dare I say - fake it?

Tea and coffee staining is a great way to give an item the darkened, aged look of an antique if you don't have 50 years to spare. You can customize it to almost any application and achieve so many shades that it's nearly impossible to mess it up. As far as home decor goes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cheaper or more natural way to beautify - no noxious chemicals or costly dyes required. Plus, when you create an "instant heirloom," you have the satisfaction of giving a new lease on life to an object you might have otherwise thrown out.

The most commonly stained item is paper, like the stiff writing paper you might bind into a handmade journal. But don't stop there - think posters, frames, greeting cards, stationery, gift boxes, bags, bows and tags. Tinted labels add a bit of old-fashioned charm to jars of homemade preserves or pickles. If you're feeling extra feminine, blend a dab of vanilla extract into some coffee or tea and stain drawer paper that will leave your delicates smelling sweet 'n' girly. Fabric is a great candidate, too - stained tablecloths, curtains and lamp shades make "primitive" home decor, while stained denim jackets and pants exude a Wild West vibe. Your options are only limited by your imagination. I reckon that before your first stained item is even dry, you'll be running around the house trying to find other things to "vintage up."

Tea and coffee staining are identical in process. Which one you use will depend on a few factors, not the least of which is what you happen to have handy. But generally, if you're looking to achieve a standout effect or statement, use coffee. Lots more color and lots more punch for less work. But if you'd like to just barely tint something - say, a white object that you want to make a bit more ivory or a faint tan - try tea.

For tea staining, brew two teabags per cup of water, adjusting the strength to match your preferred shade. For coffee staining, pick a strong, black brew made at double or triple strength. Instant coffee will work, too - mix two to three tablespoons instant granules to one cup warm water.

If you're staining fabric, pick a bowl large enough to hold the item and make enough mix to keep the fabric submerged, stirring occasionally. To ensure even coloring, first get the fabric sopping wet with water and wring it out. Then submerge it in the tea or coffee and soak until it's the color you prefer, checking it every 15 minutes. When it's ready, wring it out, and then dip it in vinegar. Wring it out again. Roll it in a towel, put the roll on the floor, and step along it to get out excess moisture. Hang it up to dry. If you want it to have a slightly streaked look, don't use the towel step, just drip-dry it. The vinegar helps set the color, but don't worry, the smell will disappear entirely once it's dry.

If you're talkin' paper, choose a large, shallow pan that will allow the paper to lie flat, and only make enough mix to sit about 1/2 inch deep. Dip briefly, with both sides coated, and then promptly remove to a cookie sheet, smooth flat, dry out in a low oven for a few minutes, and move to a towel to cool.

If you're staining a large or oddly shaped item, perch it on a cup or vase set over a towel. Paint it with a rag, foam brush, or paintbrush until it's the right shade, and then let it air dry.

Different methods of applying stain create different effects. For example, using an eyedropper to plop droplets of tea or coffee onto the item will produce a varied, natural look. Brushing on streaks, swirling puddles with a toothpick, or even stamping with other dipped items will also make your item more distinctive. Wanna get wild? Old-fashioned methods of staining also made use of walnut hulls, berries and beet juice.

Paper, cotton, muslin and linen take to staining best, but don't hesitate to try other things. For any item you'll be washing regularly, the color might fade over time. A vinegar rinse definitely helps with color fade, though doesn't eliminate it, so launder judiciously. And remember, staining isn't easily reversed, so if you're eyeing your Great Grammy Mae's irreplaceable antique lace wedding dress, make sure you're okay with whatever happens.