Tea staining question

[dntysgrplm]

I'm helping a friend with some wedding reception crafts. She wants the table cards to look like treasure maps ( Caribbean theme). So I got some nice paper that we can tea stain. My question is should we draw the maps before or after staining?  We'll be using Stabilo fine tipped felt pens. I wish I had time to test, but of course we're in a time crunch. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[little me]

I would stain after - that way you can put the stain where you want to emphasize certain areas.

[Phizzychick]

I know you're pushed for time, but I think it would be useful if you could test first.

Some pens will bleed when they are washed with water, some don't. I've had pens that change to brown, blue etc and some just fade. Depending on the effect you are going for it could make a huge difference. It can also be a useful effect if you want them to look old

[raeraethejetplane]

I agree with testing. It really wont take long just take two scraps and compare. Just mark a few lines before staining on one paper and after on another. Let it dry overnight and check it in the morning.

Tip: tea staining is hardly ever dark enough for my liking. I like to use instant coffee.