How to Use Distress Ink

Distress Ink is water-based ink used in scrapbooking, photo tinting and other crafts. The ink comes in a variety of colors and can be applied to almost any craft material, including paper, wood and pictures. Distress Ink comes in an inking pad and a glass bottle with a dropper; you can purchase it at most craft or scrapbooking stores.

Sand the edges of a painted piece of furniture. You can also use a plain or torn piece of paper.

Run the ink pad over the edge of your item. Use varying pressure to give a random and authentic look.

Spray the ink lightly to make it run and feather. You can skip this step if you are happy with the look of just running it along the edges.

Use a heat gun to dry your paper if you want it to lay flat. If the paper air dries, it will curl and bend.

Crumple your paper into a ball. Smooth it out slightly with your hand and run the ink pad over the wrinkled area, giving your paper a veined look.

Spray your paper until the ink starts to run.

Dry the paper with a heat gun and then iron it with a household iron set on the lowest setting; or use a craft iron. Your paper will now be flat but with a wrinkled look.

Dab a foam, eye shadow applicator into the Distress Ink color of your choice.

Tint the area of a black and white photo by lightly coloring with the applicator. The ink will blend without leaving noticeable lines.

Use as many different colors as you like to turn a black and white photo into a vintage looking color photo.