15 Free Vintage & Stained Paper Textures

This set of stained vintage paper textures have been about a week in the making, but I think it's been worth the wait. To make them, I disassembled some of the early-mid 20th century books I have around here, and placed sheets of paper in baking pans. I then used a mixture of tea, instant coffee, and a few watercolor paints to coat the paper in the pans. After a couple of days the mixture would evaporate and leave interesting stains on the paper, I repeated this staining/evaporating process three times to get a layered look.

These textures have a ubiquitous vintage and grunge feel and should prove useful for many of your design needs. Let me know what you think of them!

Click on the textures below to download the high-res version or download them all in a zip file at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!

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If you've used L&T textures in commercial work or earned a profit from them in your designs, please consider making a donation to Lost & Taken. All donations made go directly to helping keep the site online by helping pay the server bills (which run nearly $3k a year) and allow me to buy supplies and equipment to create new textures. Donate via the link below. Every donation is greatly appreciated!

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Comments

[phyllis]

these are amazing, and you are so generous to share!

[Sue]

Thanks so much for the lovely textures! :)

[Deborah/JoyfullyOrange]

WOW! Those are really worth the time and effort - they are gorgeous! Thank you so very much for all you did to make and share them.

Many blessings, Deborah/Joyfullyorange

[Roberta]

These are ab fab! Thanks.

[crey]

thank you very much for sharing your work

[josh]

Great set! Love the color tones going on in these!!

[Su Hall]

Cool! These are nicely stained! Thank you!

Su

[Anja]

Amazing. Thank you very much for sharing your work.

[Lisa Russo]

These are AMAZING - per usual! Thank you so much for sharing your genius!

[DAVID]

THANKS ALOT MY FRIEND

[Phoebe]

Very interesting process!

[Lj]

So grateful to you for these beautiful textures. Out of work way to long now and the free art supplies from you and others have helped me get through this time so much better. When I get a job again (and I will) I am gonna send you some of my money. Remember you kind person~ Remember me~ :) T.Y.!!!

[kwona]

thank you very much

[Branding / Identity / Design]

These are wonderful - Thank You!

[Tina]

Thanks so much for your art and generosity!

[Dewy | Brochure Printing]

The color tones are enchanting, great collection of textures!

[geir]

WOW, these are great. Thanks so much.

[Mr Sam]

We need more people like you, thank you !

[Dek]

These are really nice - well done and thanks

[Juliana]

Absolutely beatiful! Thanks for sharing! What do you stain them with?

[Theron]

Another Thanks for sharing your work, great job

[Mary]

Amazing textures, amazing generosity! Thank you so very much!!!

[Laurel]

Love your textures which make me think of cave paintings

[Shawn]

These are way better than textures I paid too much for.Made a couple donations btw.
Thanks.
I'll be back....

[Jp]

Genial,simplemente genial ,gracias