Acid-free paper is used in scrapbooking to protect photographs as well as to print important books and documents that need to be preserved for a long period of time. Unlike ordinary paper, acid-free paper has a pH of seven, making it a neutral base. The wood used to create paper contains lignin, an acidic compound which causes the paper to turn yellow and fall apart over time, especially when exposed to everyday elements such as sunlight. With acid-free paper, the lignin has been neutralized so the final product resists yellowing and withstands deteriorating much better than regular paper products. more »

If you plan to keep your comic books for more than five years, use long-term backing with acid-free paper and store them in a controlled environment. more »

Use acid-free paper for relief printing so it will last longer. Learn more tips for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor. more »

You want to ensure that only acid-free paper and products touch your photos. Acidic paper and products will cause your photos to discolor and degrade over time. In order to avoid using acidic products, you should know how to use the acid scale when scrapbooking. more »

Nowadays, books are made with preservation in mind. They're printed on environmentally-safe and acid-free paper. While care should still be taken to care for these books, older books are even more fragile and need to be protected. Follow these tips to ensure that your antique books last for a very long time. more »

Book binding is a popular craft because you get to make something that is both beautiful and useful. Handmade notebooks and journals make good gifts for nearly anyone on your list. You can also use acid-free paper in the notebook and use it as a handmade scrapbook by adding photographs to the pages. Sewing ensures that the pages are held inside the covers attractively and that the book is sturdy so it can be thrown into a knapsack. more »

Preserve your family's Thanksgiving memories with a scrapbook that captures the events, activities, and special moments. Compile an archival quality album, acid-free paper, photo-safe adhesives, pens, and page accents to ensure your album and photos won't deteriorate as the years pass. Then choose an album theme to showcase your collection of pictures and anecdotes. more »

Even though many books are in digital shape, there are many old books in libraries and private collections now available for sale. They are easy to damage or destroy if not properly handled. Because printers did not have acid-free papers, older books have pages that turn brown and often brittle with age. Careful restoration of old books can increase value for re-sale. The process of rehabilitating old books to their original condition may include reinforcing original materials or fabrication of missing parts with modern materials. more »

Making autumn leaf scrapbooks with your children is a very pleasant pastime. A properly made scrapbook will preserve your family's memories for years to come. While it's possible to use an ordinary photo album to make your scrapbook, a completely handmade album will last longer and have greater sentimental value. In this project, clear contact paper preserves the beauty of the fall leaves by sealing them against acid-free paper. There are many online stores that sell these scrapbooking supplies at reasonable prices. more »