Take a scrap piece of the dark paper you want tested and rub it onto a small area of the white cardstock using significant pressure. Test a piece of white cardstock with your pH-testing pen to make sure it’s acid free.Ģ. Manufacturers use different colored solutions to grade the severity of acid levels, so be sure to read the label instructions in order to determine the color(s) you should be looking for.ĭark Paper: PH testing ink will not show up on dark pigmented fibers thus affecting the pen’s reliability. These pens contain a solution that changes color if the scrapbooking item contains acid. Light Paper: A pH-testing pen is a great investment for any Scrapbooker wanting to ensure paper and products are acid-free. (Paper dies can affect the paper’s acidity level.) Your safest approach is to test any paper that is not specifically marked “acid-free.” Also, though a manufacturer’s white and pastel papers are free of acid, that does not guarantee that their dark colors will be also. Paper and cardstock found in your local scrapbook store are not necessarily acid-free unless so stated on packaging or company display-signs that reference your particular item. If you are uncertain of a product’s composition, you can easily identify PVC by its strong plastic odor. They are chemically stable and will ensure encapsulation safety for your memorabilia. Instead, look for acrylic or polyester (polyethylene and polypropylene) materials. To avoid this harmful process, do not buy materials containing PVC or its cousin polyvinyl acetate (PVA). The destructive material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or more commonly known as “vinyl.”īecause PVC is an unstable plastic, it releases a hydrogen-chloride gas that spreads to your memorabilia, corroding your photos and historical items over time. In fact, some sheet protectors, binders, photo enclosures, and photo corners will eventually damage your memorabilia more than if you had not used plastic protection or enhancement at all. Layout storage should be doubly protected: first in sheet or page protectors, then in appropriate albums. Store and seal your photos and negatives in a sturdy container, in plastic sleeves that fit into a three-ring binder, or in acid-free envelopes that have been labeled and filed. Improper storage increases the risk of scratches, tears, and bends. Handle and store your photos, negatives, and layouts carefully. Third, follow the example of certain purists who wear lightweight cotton gloves, insuring their photos remain pristine. Second, wash hands frequently or use Acid Neutralizing Wipes, by UnDu. To prevent this type of deterioration, handle photos carefully, touching only the outer edges. Store all historical items in moderate temperatures and in locations where humidity is low.Īlthough not immediately apparent, fingerprints on photographs, negatives, and layouts become visible over time. Extreme temperatures create problems.Įxtreme temperatures damage photographs, negatives, layouts, page protectors, and albums. Keep all heirlooms out of direct sunlight. Sunlight will eventually diminish photo, negative, layout and album quality. It's also a good idea to keep all drinks off your work area. Liquid will destroy these valuable items. To avoid disasters, store your scrapbook supplies, albums, photographs, and negatives in a dry, cool place away from water pipes, faucets, or plumbing. Liquids destroy memorabilia, photographs, and negatives. Here are f ourteen facts every scrapbooker should know that can aid in heirloom longevity.įor a more in depth look at paper and photo preservation, take a look at our extensive research article on paper, photo and document preservation. Knowing the right heirloom care can greatly influence where you spend your scrapbooking time, money, and effort. Handled carefully, your memorabilia can look its best even after years of display. Protecting your photos and historical items is like knowing the proper methods of skincare: when applied correctly the results are long-term and beautiful.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |