materials tested to have a ph level of 7.0 or above• all items used in memory books and scrapbooks should be acid

Binding materials manufactured to be chemically neutral

pH neutral. The discoloration of paper derived from wood is caused by the interaction of lignin, (the gummy substance that binds the cellulose fibers together), acidity and sunlight. By buffing the paper with calcium carbonate a pH neutral balance can be achieved, thereby preventing discoloration. Such papers, and rag paper which has no lignin, are termed ACID FREE. Prints made on ACID FREE paper will last for centuries provided that they are (i) treated with care, (ii) matted with archival mats, (iii) are protected from acid migration from the backboard by an acid free barrier sheet.

Paper having a pH level of 7 or more.

pH factor greater than 7. In reference to mat board labeled "acid free" - the pH factor will usually be around 8.5.

A term describing materials with a pH value of 7.0 or higher. Note: Materials with a pH level of 7.0 are neutral and those with a pH level greater than 7.0 are alkaline.

Paper that is free from any acid content or other substances likely to have a deleterious effect on the paper or its ability to last over time. (see pH neutral)

Without going into a chemistry lesson, an acid is a substance with a pH less than 7 (water is usually considered neutral at pH7). Acids are used in paper manufacturing to break down wood fibres to pulp to make paper. Papers made using this acid process still contain acid and therefore will breakdown and discolour in a manner similar to newspapers. It is recommended to check your scrapbooking products at the time of purchase to make sure they are labeled "ACID-FREE" as the use of papers containing acid will most likely damage your cherished photos or deteriorate and discolour producing unattractive and unwanted effects in your scrapbook. Also make sure that your other scrapbooking materials are labeled acid free as well including papers, glues, and markers. Papers may also be marked "archival quality" to indicate that they are acid free and suitable for storage over long periods.

Acid Free usually means that the material is buffered to provide a pH balance that is neutral. All of our Bainbridge, Crescent and Canterbury paper mat lines arrive Acid Free mats, meaning pH balanced. Since it is the acids in materials that primarily cause problems, an acid free mat reduces the likelihood of damage from acids and resultant gases. However, acid-free materials began to lose their balance over a period of time determined in greatly by environmental conditions. Acid-Free paper mats are generally a good choice for high volume projects that do not have a high monetary or sentimental value.

A term used to describe paper and other materials with a pH of 7 (neutral) or higher (alkaline). Acid-free materials are often prescribed for use in the packaging of records to ensure their long-term preservation.

Acid Free materials such as paper and glue are available and should be used when making books. Over time non-acid free paper may start to discolor itself and what is on the page. For example, photographs put on non-acid free paper will start to yellow over time. In order to insure that your books don't discolor over the years make sure to use acid free paper and glue. Both of these materials can be found at any craft or art store.

Papers which are free from traces of acid, ie. made under neutral sizing conditions.

Acid causes paper and photos to disintegrate over time. The aging process of the paper and photos are slowed when acid is removed from the paper during the manufacturing process. Acid is used in paper manufacturing to break apart the wood fibers and the lignin that holds them together. If acid remains in the materials used for photo albums, the acid can react chemically with photographs and cause their deterioration. Not all scrapbooking materials are photo-safe, so be sure your paper, glue and markers are labeled acid-free or archival-quality before you purchase them. Acid Free items have a pH (a measure or acidity or alkalinity) of 7.0 or higher. Its imperative that all materials (glue, pens, paper, etc.) used in scrapbooking albums or anything you want to archive be acid-free..

(see pH Balanced): The use of this term varies from the logical definition of the individual words to a wide variety of standards - always have a company explain their definition. See Also Archival webpage. Having no acidity and no residual acid-producing chemicals. Below is a definition from "Preserving Family Keepsakes Do's and Don'ts", Ilene Chandler Miller, 1996:"Any paper that contains an alkaline (pH higher than 7 or an absence of acid) base and is often lignin-free."

Acid free refers to the acid content in paper (pH) at the time of manufacture. Excess acidity decreases a paper’s permanence longevity (see pH).

Acid is used in paper manufacturing to break apart the wood fibres and the lignin which holds them together. If acid remains in the materials used for memory albums and pages, the acid can react chemically with photographs and accelerate their deterioration. Over time, acid breaks the paper fibres down, causing the paper to deteriorate and become brown and brittle. Acid-free products have a pH factor of 7.0 or above. It's imperative that all materials (glue, pens, paper, etc.) used in memory albums or scrapbooks be acid-free.

Papers with a pH between 7 and 9. Important to prevent deterioration of papers and photos when storing for long periods of time. An essential part of scrapbooking is to use only Acid Free items including pens etc to ensure pristine condition of books for generations to come.

Free from any acid content of other substances likely to have a detrimental effect on the paper or its longevity.

A non-specific term that refers to papers that do not contain acids. Acids can cause paper to discolor, become inflexible, and eventually turn brittle. All conservation papers, envelopes and boxes currently acquired to store LC collections are acid free.

Many papers can be considered acid free immediately after manufacture however unless they have been buffered, i.e. treated with a neutralizing agent, chemical reactions with substances such as sizing or bleaching will cause the paper to become acidic over time. All plastic by its nature is acid free however some plastic is unsafe for use in photo albums.

Made in a neutral PH process that increases the longevity of the paper.

A material with a pH of or close to 7. These materials are usually inert and permanent. See Archival.

A term referring to materials with a pH of 7.0 or above. The aging process of the paper and photos are slowed when acid is removed from the paper during the manufacturing process.

Material with a pH of 7 or greater

A type of paper or liquid product with a pH level of 7 or above.

The print contains no harmful acid or alkaline that may affect the life of the paper or quality of the image printed.

The discolouration of paper derived from wood is caused by the interaction of lignin (the gummy substance that binds the cellulose fibres together), acidity and sunlight. By buffing the paper with calcium carbonate, a pH neutral balance can be achieved, thereby preventing discolouration over time. Such papers (and rag paper which has no lignin) are termed acid free, and are ideal for use in scrapbooking.

Paper manufactured in an alkaline environment to make the paper resistant to deterioration.

Paper made from alkaline pulp to resist deterioration from age.

Paper made in a neutral pH system, usually buffered with calcium carbonate. This increases the longevity of the paper.

In chemistry, materials that have a pH of 7(neutral) or higher ( alkaline). Acid free paper is often alkaline buffered. Since cellulose is damaged by acids, acid free materials are desirable in library preservation.

A paper manufactured to a neutral pH reading. Primarily used for permanent records and to protect materials when contact with paper acidity would be harmful.

A term used to describe paper materials with a pH at or around 7. Acid-free materials are more permanent and less likely to discolor over time. The term Archiva l or conservation quality more accurately describes true acid-free conservation quality matboard.

Papers that are without acid in the pulp. Acid free papers have a pH of 7.0. If prepared properly, papers made from any fiber can be acid free.

Refers to the production process of the paper, and the types of chemicals used by the mill at the sizing stage. Curtis Fine Papers mills use a non acidic process.

Papers without acid in the pulp when made. Acid in paper can increase its decay. See also Photo Safe, Lignin Free, and Archival Quality.