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1. Always Use
Acid-Free Products.
In paper manufacturing,
acid is used in the
process to break apart
the wood fibers and
lignin that holds them
together. When acid
remains in the products
used for scrapbooking,
the acid will react
chemically to accelerate
the deterioration of
photos. Acid free
products have a pH
factor of 7 to 8.5. A
product must be
acid-free to be labeled
"photo safe."
2. Always Use
Lignin-Free Products.
A tree contains lignin,
which is a bonding
material that holds wood
fibers together as the
tree grows. When lignin
remains in a paper
product such as
newspaper, it will
yellow and become
brittle over a period of
time. In today's market,
the majority of paper
that is manufactured is
lignin-free, but be sure
to protect your precious
photos by double
checking!
3. Buffer your
acidic items.
If you have to use an
acidic product, consider
using a buffering agent.
As paper ages, acids can
form within the paper
fibers, causing it to
become brittle, to turn
yellow or deteriorate.
To neutralize acid, a
buffering agent such as
carbonate or magnesium
bicarbonate can be added
to paper giving the
paper a pH of 8.5.
Buffered paper is
generally considered
longer lasting than
unbuffered paper. If an
acidic letter is
attached to an acid-free
page, buffered paper can
also prevent acid
migration by
neutralizing any acid
transfer.
4. pH Factor is
important, and easy to
understand.
The pH factor simply
refers to the acidity of
paper. The pH scale runs
from 0 to 14. Acid free
products have a pH of 7
to 8.5. To determine the
acidity in products, you
can purchase a pH tester
pen.
5. Sheet
Protectors help to
protect your photos and
designed scrapbook page.
A sheet protector is a
plastic (polypropylene)
acid-free top loading or
side loading sheet that
slips over an album
page. Never use vinyl
sheet protectors as they
are not photo safe.
Sheet protectors add an
additional user-friendly
quality to scrapbook
viewers.
6. Add a
personal touch by
journaling in your book
and adding interesting
details.
Pictures speak a
thousand words, and your
journaling will only add
to the story! Be sure to
use pens designed for
scrapbooking to ensure
the product is
photo-safe.
7. Before you
buy, check to see if it
is labeled "Archival
Quality."
Materials, techniques
and methods used in
manufacturing of
archival quality items
will make the scrapbook
last for generations.
8. A photo
labeling pencil can
prevent damage to
photos.
Use this photo safe
pencil for labeling on
both the front and back
of your photographs. The
pencil can also be used
for tracing around
templates on photos.
Pencil marks will wipe
off with a tissue or
cotton ball. To be safe,
test the pencil marks on
a corner of the photo to
be sure that th marks
will wipe off. This is
especially important
when using old photos. A
quality photo labeling
pencil may seem like an
added expense, but well
worth the investment!
9. Use a spray
neutralizer when needed.
If you want to include
ticket stubs, programs,
etc., in your scrapbook,
use a spray neutralizer
for de-acidification of
those items. The spray
coats the item and
neutralizes acid levels.
10. Look for
"Photo Safe" on
supplies.
Scrapbook supplies
labeled Photo Safe are
acid free and will not
destroy photographic
image. |
