Terms and Definitions

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS FOR SCRAPBOOKERS:
(copied with permission from The Scrapbooking.com Library Archive)

Scrapbooking is a hobby that is intertwined inextricably with science. Unless we are taking precautions to ensure that we are using safe materials, we might as well place our beautiful scrapbook pages in a magnetic album. Few of us would do that, but many of us do not know very much about photo preservation, what is safe, what is unsafe and WHY certain materials should be used or avoided. I hope that these terms and definitions will help you gain a better basic knowledge. If after reading this page, you still want or need more information, a suggested reading list follows.

Acid - In chemistry, a substance capable of forming hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Acids can weaken cellulose in paper, board, and cloth, leading to embrittlement. Acids may be introduced in the manufacture of materials and left in intentionally (as in the addition of certain sizing, like starch or glue) or incidentally. Acids may also be introduced by migration from other materials or from atmospheric pollution. Discoloration and embrittlement are attributed to acid.
Back to the Top

Acid-free - In chemistry, materials that have a pH of 7.0 or higher are acid-free. This term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for alkaline or buffered.
Back to the Top

Acid Migration - the transfer of acid from an acidic material to a less acidic material or pH neutral material. Remember, acid always migrates to neutral; NEVER does neutral migrate to acid. Acid migration may occur directly, when two materials are in intimate contact. For instance, acid may migrate from boards, end papers and protective tissues, as well as the paper covers of albums, and from memorabilia to less acidic paper.
Back to the Top

Archival Quality - In "An Ounce of Prevention," author Craig Tuttle defines archival-quality as follows: "Archival-quality/conservation-quality are terms used to indicate that a material is chemically stable, and therefore, has a stronger resistance to adverse environmental conditions". Archival quality is a non-technical term that suggests that a material or product is permanent, durable or chemically stable, and that it can therefore safely be used for preservation purposes. The phrase is not quantifiable; no standards exist that describe how long an 'archival' or 'archival quality' material will last.
Back to the Top

Buffered Paper- A paper that is pH neutral to begin with and then has a reserve of Alkaline to neutralize additional acids as they migrate to the paper. Just because you are using buffered pages or buffered papers do not assume that you can add an unlimited number of acidic materials to your album and the acid will be absorbed. A 1% or 3% buffer is just a small buffer and not meant to absorb large amounts of acid. In fact many papers are buffered only because the materials used in their own manufacture are known to become acidic over time, therefore the buffer is added solely to protect that paper from becoming acidic in the future and is not capable of absorbing any "extra" acids.
Back to the Top

Buffering - Craig Tuttle: "The addition of calcium carbonate, a colorless or white alkaline chemical, to paper and storage boxes to inhibit the formation and migration of acids". My note: Please be aware that there are differing opinions among the experts on buffering and its desirability. Henry Wilhelm is well known to be of the opinion that buffering should not be used around color photos. (Since Wilhelm is now affiliated with CM and CM's pages are buffered, it should be interesting to see what changes, if any will be made in the future.)
Back to the Top

Chemical Stability -Again, from Craig Tuttle: "The ability of certain chemical bonds to resist changes in their composition when exposed to other chemicals. Paper and photographs which are chemically stable are more resistant to deterioration". Materials which are chemically stable are not easily decomposed or otherwise modified chemically. This is a desirable characteristic for materials used in preservation since it suggests an ability to resist chemical degradation such as the embrittlement of paper over time and/or upon exposure to various conditions during use or storage.
Back to the Top

Lignin - A component of the cell walls of plants that occurs naturally, along with cellulose. Lignin is largely responsible for the strength and rigidity of plants, but its presence in paper and board is believed to contribute to chemical degradation. It can be, to a large extent, removed during manufacture. No standards exist for the term 'lignin-free' and additional research is needed to determine the precise role lignin plays in the durability and permanence of paper. Please note: currently most photo preservationists believe lignin to be more harmful to photos than acid.
Back to the Top

Mylar- Mylar (polyester) is used as a protective clear covering for photos and album pages. Mylar is currently regarded as the highest quality material used for this purpose.
Permanent paper - Craig Tuttle: "Paper compliant with the Permanent Paper Standard ANSI Z39.48-1984 (Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials), a standard created by a committee composed of the federal government and the paper industry. To be considered permanent, and to comply with Standard ANSI Z39.48-1984, paper must meet the following requirements:

• Must have a pH level of 7.5 or greater.

• Must contain an alkaline buffer of calcium carbonate or another alkaline.

• Must be free of chemical impurities and, optimally, contain cotton or other rag fibers.

• Must be resistant to tears and folding.
   

Such materials may be produced from virtually any cellulose fiber source (cotton and wood, among others), if measures are taken during manufacture to eliminate active acid from the pulp. However free of acid a paper or board may be immediately after manufacture, over time, the presence of residual chlorine from bleaching, aluminum sulfate from sizing, or pollutants in the atmosphere may lead to the formation of acid unless the paper or board has been buffered with an alkaline substance".
Back to the Top

pH Neutral- Many manufacturers are using this term instead of acid free. pH neutral is more definitive than acid free. An acid free product could be extremely alkaline. Since this is also undesirable to be highly alkaline because of damages, pH neutral is a desirable quality.
Back to the Top

Photo Safe- A term used very loosely by many companies to indicate that they feel their products to be safe. I feel that there are several problems with this term. There is no regulation of the term by a legally enforceable standard. Because of ignorance, lack of photo preservation knowledge or a desire to deceive, this term is used in many instances when a product is not in fact safe to be used near photos. When a product is simply labeled photo safe, I will never take it home and use it without first calling the manufacturer and making further inquiries.
Back to the Top

Preservation - Activities associated with maintaining library, archival, or museum materials for use, either in their original physical form or in some other format.
Back to the Top

Now that you've finished all of that dry reading, you ask "Isn't acid free enough?" The answer is no, acid free isn't enough and I'll explain why.

Think about all of the chemicals that you have in your home. You know, the ones that are under your kitchen sink with a baby safe lock on them. Most of them contain toxic chemicals. Would you want any of them near your photos? Acid is NOT the only material that damages photos.
Papers should be acid free, lignin free, bleach free, chemically stable. Permanent inks should be used for writing and stamping.
Back to the Top