How to Display Newspaper Articles

Newspaper must be handled with care.

Newspaper is a very delicate material that is highly susceptible to damage. Heat, light and moisture can cause cracks, yellowing and a breakdown of the paper. When displaying newspaper articles in a frame, specialty products that do not contain acid must be purchased to preserve the paper. A framing store or craft store will have an inventory of acid-free supplies. Special glass that reduces UV rays should be used to keep the paper from damage.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler or measuring tape
• Acid-free matting
• UV-reducing glass
• Frame
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the newspaper article to be displayed by measuring with a ruler or measuring tape. Be careful not to touch the newspaper to be preserved, just measure around it.

2. Purchase a frame in the correct size. Purchase an acid-free matting that will fit the frame and newspaper. Ensure that the matting is thick enough so that the article will not touch the glass.

3. Select UV-filtering glass in a size to fit the frame. Specialty glass may be found at craft stores or framing stores.

4. Wash and dry your hands to remove oils that could damage the paper. Gloves may be worn as an additional precaution.

5. Center the newspaper article in the matting and place it into the assembled frame. Do not use tape, staples or other items to keep the paper from moving as they can damage the article.

6. Close the frame securely to keep the newspaper in place. Display the framed article in an area where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of framing the original article, make a photocopy to be framed. A photocopy is made of stronger material than newsprint and will last longer.

References

• Canadian Conservation Institute: How to Care for Paper Documents and Newspaper Clippings
• The Library of Congress: Preserving Newspapers