Acid-freeandLignin-free

I recently attended a talk with 4 speakers from the Scrapbook Preservation Society. Though I learned a lot I also decided that there is a lot more being done incorrectly than I ever imagined. Here are a few of the basics in a strange random order.

1. If it doesn't say acid-free it probably isn't acid-free. Not all paper is acid-free though I was told on a previous occasion that it is. Paper will usually say acid-free if it is acid-free.
2. The panel said all fabric is acid-free. I don't think so. Fabric papers are not acid-free.  I have asked ribbon manufacturers if ribbon is acid-free and no one seems to know. Give fabric and ribbon the sniff test. If it stinks don't use it. Even if fabric is acid-free can we assume all dyes are acid-free? I doubt it. I know for a fact that silk goes through an acid bath. Since everyone but the fabric manufacturers seems to believe fabric is acid-free I say, don't believe it. Use at least one mat between your photos and the fabric and do not put ribbon directly onto your photos. Even though you will see it in scrapbook magazines and it looks cute just be wise and don't do it. It is so much better to be safe.
3. Lignin is natural vegetable dye that will decay and transfer a brown stain to the paper. We make certain our paper is acid and lignin free then we wrap a twig in a piece of wire and attach it to the page or add a wooden button. The twig and the wooden button are not lignin-free. Candy, noodles, and other edible items will attract bugs, turn sticky, and will decay. There are so many things you can use to embellish a page but trees, grass, leaves, dried flowers and food products are not those things. If you need to go creative do it in the tool chest with metal items not in the kitchen or outside.
4. Bleaching and deterioration are the result of light, heat, pollution, humidity, and people's fingers (big and little). Archival spray helps to protect items from these natural elements but it does not change the basic composition of an item. Sheet protectors help a lot. If you leave the scrapbook open on your coffee table turn it to a different page frequently. For best results don't leave your scrapbook open on the coffee table.
5. Scotch Mounting Tape is acid-neutral not acid-free. We all use it. I buy it in the huge economy rolls but do not put it into contact with your photos.
6. If it stings your eyes or burns your skin it is not acid-free. Imported fabrics, threads, yarns, and cords can contain acid. Mod Podge = stinky = acid. If it is fabric and it does not stink or bother your skin you may still want to place a small piece of it in water over night to make sure it is color fast. If the color bleeds out into the water it will migrate onto your page.
7. Use only lead-free paint. Paint that is dry poses no problem to anything on the page. Water-soluble paint can run or bleed if it gets wet but we all use it. Just don't give your scrapbooks a bath.
8. Plastics do not contain acid but plastics with a strong odor can let off chlorine gases. This is the smell that vinyl has so no polyvinyl chloride.
9. Hair and feathers are a yes. Leather and fur are a no.
10. Though glass and metals have no acid or decaying problems be cautious with sharp edges across from your pictures. Even the page protector may not prevent scratching over time. Also metals that can rust may transfer rust to the paper or photo over time.
11. Glitter that can detach can scratch your photos. Good adhesive tapes and Scrappy glue will hold glitter but make certain all glitter is secure before you put it in a page protector with your photos. I prefer Glitter Glue because it is easier to use and does not release the glitter. We all love glitter paper but the glitter does not stay put so use caution.