What do I use to "age" paper

[Velvet Rose]

I've seen quite a few photos where the edges of paper are browned to make it look old. What do people use to achieve this effect? I am looking for a product which is acid free.

Thanks

[alteredmommy]

I use an ink pad (I'm sure there's an archival one around somewhere) a la rackycoo edge....just hold your photo or paper in one hand and slide along the outside edge of the ink pad that you hold with your other hand.  add a bit more ink on the corners.  You can also do this with a makeup sponge that is inked up a bit but you don't have as much control that way.  I would recommend a bit of practice so as to get comfy with the technique before using it on something like an atc that you worked on for days......

[balkandina]

To get an aged burnt effect-use an incense stick. It is easier to control than open flame. I also agree with Racky coo about inkpads. I also just pick an "aged" colour of paint ( like burnt umber) and rub it on. Practice makes perfect

[balkandina]

Okay- I gave Rackycoo credit for AlteredMommy's suggestion...sorry

[Persephone Hazard]

A used teabag will also do this.

[Verde]

Tea and coffee! I used these for making black & white photographs 'sepia', too.

[Velvet Rose]

Do you  apply the tea or coffee with a sponge?

[Verde]

I seem to remember just rubbing slightly damp coffee grounds onto the photos with my fingers. I'm sure a sponge would be cleaner and more precise! Coffee & tea wouldn't be acid-free though, I don't think.

[Velvet Rose]

Thanks for your replies everyone - they've been very helpful. 

I've been experimenting with the stamp pad method in the chunky houses I'm making at the moment. My best results are from wiping a light brown stamp pad over the page, concentrating on the corners, and then putting the edges of the page on dark brown stamp pad at right angles. It's giving a quite convincing vintage look to new paper.