My Guide to Rust Dyeing Paper
Nearly two years ago, I made a post about rust dyeing paper using watered down vinegar. It was my first time trying rust dyeing and I was reasonably pleased with the results. In the intervening time since then, I have tried rust dyeing in different ways and settled on using tea instead of vinegar. The tannins in the tea react with the rust on the metal objects to transfer that rust to the paper. It doesn’t give such bright orange marks, but it does add a nice colour to the paper, which compliments the rusty marks, and personally, I prefer it. I have spent a lot of time working out the best technique, but this is what I have been using most recently. I soak the paper (I use 140gsm cartridge paper) for a few minutes. How long you leave it for will affect the darkness of paper (although other factors play a role in that too.) I make sure the rusted objects I want to use are dry before I use them. (Side note: from experience it is best to use objects that are as flat as possible. Because
