By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_Norman]Richard Norman

Parchment is a thin material made from calfskin, sheepskin or goatskin.

It has been used for many centuries as pages in early books or manuscripts; it is still used today by calligraphers for writing upon, and as a covering material for bookbinders.

Bookbinders in years gone by tried various methods to create imitation parchments and vellums using paper as the starting point, as the genuine material was beautiful but very expensive.

The method we are going to use is simple but very effective.

All we are going to need is some shellac flakes and alcohol.

It should be noted at the start, that this parchment paper treatment is done after any gilding, writing, drawing or printing etc is carried out, you can use water colours if you wish, the oil or alcohol will not affect water colours, save to make them look antique.

Of course if you want to use the parchment paper as a book covering material, simply apply the varnish to the paper and use as parchment paper.

Recipe for alcohol based shellac varnish

Mix 1 part blonde de-waxed shellac flakes with four parts methylated spirit (in America known as denatured alcohol).

Place in a screw top jar and allow to stand for 24 hours stirring occasionally. When the shellac has all dissolved the varnish is ready to use.

If you know little about paper let me guide you to the correct type.

You want a thick bulky paper with a good fibre furnish.

By thick I mean 120/150gsm (55/70lbs)

By a good fibre furnish I mean that a good quality paper fibre was used in its making.

A good choice would be a cartridge paper; this sort of paper is widely available from artist supply houses in large sheets or as A4 pads.

Another paper which makes an excellent parchment paper is made by a company called Hahnemuhle, it is called Medieval Laid and is available in 130gsm (60lb)

Once you have your varnish and paper ready, lay down some waste paper.

The alcohol based varnish does give of fumes; it is advisable to work in a room with decent ventilation.

We are simply going to give our sheet of paper a generous coat of varnish, use a paintbrush or paint roller.

The paper will darken immediately as the varnish penetrates the paper.

When you can see that the paper is saturated with the varnish, lift it and place it on some more waste paper and allow it to dry completely.

When dry you will see that the paper has been transformed by the treatment, the varnish will have changed the colour, appearance and feel of the paper.

By Richard Norman http://www.gold-vault.com

For 25 years I ran a system of craft workshops in Somerset England. In 1994 the workshops were voted a National Living Treasure for their contribution to the Arts.

Please visit my website for further information and free manuals.

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