Video:How to Dye Paper

Transcript:How to Dye Paper

Hi, I am Cheryal Losmore for About.com. Today I will be showing you how to get a tie dye effect on decorative paper.

Supplies for Dying Paper

To tie dye paper you will need:

• rubber gloves
• plastic garbage bags or newspaper
• paper towels, powder or liquid fabric dye
• hot water
• spray bottles and/or glass bowls
• and paint brushes

Optional Supplies for Dying Paper

Optional supplies include a resistant medium which you can find at art supply stores. For best results use 90 lb watercolor paper. For some variation try dying different types of paper like newspaper or coffee filters for art projects. Cover your work surface with a plastic garbage bag or newspaper and secure with tape. Put on your rubber gloves.

Instructions for How to Dye Paper

Prepare the dyes by mixing 2 teaspoons powdered dye or 1 teaspoon liquid dye with 1/2-1 cup of very hot tap water. Liquid dyes can be used at full strength to achieve even more intense colors. Leave the dye in a cup or pour into a spray bottle. Dyes can be sprayed, drizzled, dripped or brushed onto paper. To create a batik-dyed effect, stamp, stencil or brush a resist medium, onto water color paper. Let resist dry. Spray, drip, drizzle or brush the dye solution over the entire piece of paper. Other dye colors may be added for blending or highlighting detail areas.

Additional Instructions for How to Dye Paper

Cover the bottom of microwave with paper towels to protect against spills. Place the wet watercolor paper in the microwave and set it on High for 1 minute.Remove from the microwave and rinse in the sink under running water. Once dry, use a soft eraser to remove the resist medium. Or, rub with your finger.,

For even more variation, outline or paint around the batik-dyed areas. Dyed papers can be used to make greeting cards, album covers, scrapbook pages, and paper-covered home accessories. Thanks for watching. For more information like this, please visit About.com.