On my previous post, I have pointed out the importance of acid-free materials and the impact of acid and lignin can do to your projects. Now, of course the best way to prevent acid in your photos on your scrapbook page is to purchase acid-free scrapbooking materials. This includes embellishments, papers, fabrics, ribbons, glues, adhesives, and all the elements you need for your page. If you have old scrapbooking materials that you wish to use, below are some tips to prevent your photo from acid transfer.
Use some pH-testing pens that will detect if your materials have acid in them. You can also check your finished page if it is contaminated or it already acquired acid. This way you can easily remove the materials that are contaminated and replace them. Also this way you will learn if you are handling of the materials contribute the acid transfer.
When handling your pictures, make sure to hold the sides as fingerprints may also appear after some time. This is because of the oil from your fingers. This will deteriorate and damage emulsions in your photos permanently. Make sure to wash your hands and not use any moisturizers or cream before handling photos or scrapbook pages. You can use acid neutralizing wipes as well which have about 2 hours protection and keep the pH balances.
Use deacidification pH factor spray or spray neutralizer if you wanted to add other memorabilia like tickets, cards, etc., where you are not sure of the pH level of those items. The spray will coat the items to neutralize acid levels.
If you will use clippings and other photos that come from acidic papers such as newspapers, it is better to laminate, photograph, photocopy, or seal them in plastics. If you want the original, put them in plastics or laminate it, but it is better to just photocopy it and use archival quality in paper. You can freely add it in your design better than trying to get a hold of the original clippings.
Another way of protection for your scrapbooking materials is to use page protectors. They are acid-free and of archival quality. You can buy any size and depending on the dimension of your design. But make sure that the protectors and plastics you use are not made of PVC/PVA or polyvinyl chloride or vinyl. Look for acrylic or polyester materials. These chemicals are more stable and will not corrode your photos and your whole work.
These are few key things to prevent and protect your photos and scrapbook pages from acid transfer and deterioration. Always invest on photo safe and archival quality scrapbooking materials as much as possible if you want your work to be preserved in a longer time.
Tagged with scrapbooking materials, scrapbooking tips
