Paper

The purpose of this tutorial is to show how vintage papers may be created using watercolor paints and Vintage Milk Paint. To assist you in learning, it will be helpful to explain a few terms.

To wash: using a wet brush, spread water of paint across the paper.
To brush: the application of paint to the surface of the paper.
To blot: using a paper towel, remove the excess water and/or paint from the paper.

Something else you should know:

Watercolors are by nature very vibrant. The papers created in Step 1 of this tutorial will seem very bright when compared to vintage papers. The application of Vintage Milk Paint is the key to making papers appear aged.

Materials

Watercolor paper or High Quality Cardstock
Bamboo Brush
Watercolor box or Student Grade watercolors
Vintage Milk Paint
Paper towels
Water

Many of these materials are available at www.dickblick.com or at your local art supply store. For best results use textured paper towels. Click here for watercolor recommendations and to learn how to make this attractive watercolor box.

For more information and ideas about creating vintage papers with Vintage Milk Paint, purchase our instructional manual, Vintage Milk Paint: A Cow of Many Colors, in the Vintage Paint Works shop.

Step 1:

Wash paper with water and apply watercolor paint. A generous amount of water on the surface of the paper assists in mixing various colors.

Step 2:

Blot with a paper towel.

Step 3:

Mix paint for porous surfaces. Create a light wash by brushing paint across the surface of the paper.

Step 4:

Blot with a paper towel. If the paint is too thick, preventing the appearance of the watercolor underwash, use a wet brush to remove some of the VMP. Continue to blot with a paper towel until the process produces the desired results.

Step 5: