Apply tacky glue to cardstock and briefly pass a flame under the paper (safely) to create a bubbled, distressed texture.
: DIYers use these hacks to turn wooden blocks or ashwood into "steel" pedestals or side tables. Dark Steel Hack
: This technique is widely used to create lightweight medieval armor, shields, and weapons like "Steel Batons" or "Ninja Blades" that look dangerous but are made entirely of paper. Apply tacky glue to cardstock and briefly pass
Buffing the surface with or dark metallic inks gives it a heavy, iron-like finish. Dark Steel Hack
There are several ways to achieve the dark steel finish depending on your project's scale: