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Re: Newspaper clippings



Actually, the term "acid-free" is commonly used for both paper of a neutral
pH and paper that has an alkaline reserve or buffer added to it.  Both are
readily available from the archival supply companies.  Terms describing
these materials are not really regulated, so anything that had a pH of 7 or
more when it was made can be called "acid-free".  If it's made with wood
pulp or harmful additives, it can quickly become acidic again as it ages.
That's why it's very important to only buy from a source that you trust.

For the really good stuff, you might want to purchase paper that is not only
"acid-free" but lignin-free or low-lignin as well.  Lignin is a substance in
wood pulp that breaks down into acid compounds as it ages, and it can be
removed to make a better quality paper out of wood pulp.

Generally, paper with an alkaline reserve or buffer (usually something like
calcium carbonate that is added to raise the pH to 8.5 or so) is preferred
for storage of most paper-based records.  Possible exceptions can be
blueprints and photographs (particularly color) as some photographic
processes do not react well to alkaline conditions.

Hope this helps,

Sandy Hempe
Conservator
Missouri State Archives

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