Newspaper Clippings in Your Scrapbooks

Newspapers may contain stories and memories we want to preserve and include in our scrapbooking albums. Unfortunately, newspapers are made of paper that contains acid and other chemicals that can deteriorate the paper. If your photographs touch untreated newspaper they might be ruined.

Old newspapers get a yellowish color as they decompose, but with a little preventive maintenance, your newspaper clippings will be able to be viewed by future generations.

Here are your options:

1. Use an archival spray called “Archival Mist”. The ingredients in the mist neutralize the acid in the paper and helps restore it back to its original state. Many family history buffs and scrapbookers swear by this product. This product may be somewhat expensive in price. You can buy this mist at scrapbook supply stores.
2. Recently, Krylon a paint company has came out with their own product that neutralizes the acid in paper called "Make It Acid Free". It is reported that Krylon's product is much more cost efficient than the above-mentioned Archival Mist. Check for this product at stores selling spray paint.
3. You can scan your clippings onto acid-free paper and disregard the original. With modern technology scanners can do a good job recreating documents to look just like the original.
4. If you don't have a scanner, you're still in luck. You can take your newspaper clippings to your local print shop and have them copied onto acid-free paper.

These are great options for you to be able to preserve your memories and keep your newspaper clippings in your scrapbook without damaging other materials and photographs