Acid Free

Acid Free - What the term really means 1. The term 'Acid Free' is usually used by the paper industry to indicate that various buffers, filters and pigments have been added to stabilize acidic elements found in virtually all modern mill produced papers. 2. 'Acid Free' actually refers to a measurement on the pH scale. 0 - 7 being Acidic 7 being stable and 7-14 being Alkaline (Acid Free). 6.8 - 9.4 is the ideal range. 3. Many common household items, such as lye (pH 13 used to unclog drains) are technically 'acid free'. This does not mean that they won't be corrosive or reactive with other materials. What is much more important for archival materials is pH balance. 4. pH balance means that a material has been carefully formulated, as in the case of 'acid free' paper, to avoid reactivity. Reactivity means that two materials interact with each other, changing both in unpredictable ways that typically cause deterioration and long term damage. NB Since only pure water is technically pH neutral (at 7), pH balance refers to an optimal range of 6.5 - 9.5 on the pH scale. 5. Environmental Factors - Moisture, strong light and heat are the agents that promote and accelerate reactivity. Whatever materials are used, they will last much longer is you protect your archival project from environmental factors. Clearsnap Inc has supplied these tips.

Acid Free Products Acid weakens the cellulose in paper over time, causing deterioration and discolouration. Using products free of acid at the time of manufacture will ensure that your project materials will not damage your photographs or work over a long period of time. Inks, papers, tape, glue and pens are all available acid free and are ideal for use in scrapbooks, albums and other archival projects.