How to Preserve Newspaper/Magazine Clippings

We all want to preserve those precious newspaper clippings about ourselves and our work. Unfortunately, however, newsprint is acidic and is not designed with preservation or archival qualities in mind. So after buying and storing 20 or so copies of an article in which we have been featured, we find just a couple of years later that they have become brittle, yellowed and otherwise deteriorated. However, there are now ways to prevent this from happening:

1. There is a product called Archival Mist that neutralizes the acid in paper. Another similar product is made by Krylon called Make It Acid Free. Still another is called Bookkeeper. These products can usually be found in your local scrapbook or craft supply store or chains such as Michael’s and Wal-Mart. Always test on an unimportant item first.
   
   
2. Another product is called PYM (Preserve Your Memories). Instead of neutralizing the acid in newsprint, this product coats it with an acrylic spray. There is a 2-minute vidcast showing how to use it:
   http://www.precision-blue.com/Video_Newspaper.html
   
   
3. Copy or scan your clipping, then print it onto acid-free paper either at home or at a copier service such as Kinko’s. NOTE: Make sure water and light-resistant inks are used
   
   
4. Make sure to notate on the clippings important information such as the name, date and page of the newspaper/magazine.
   
   
5. Do not fold your clipping. It causes wear and tear and shortens its life
   
   
6. NEVER laminate your clippings. However, you can encapsulate them (after they have been deacidified) between sheets of Mylar using an acid free adhesive.
   
   
7. Do not use staples, paper clips and/or rubber bands.
   
   
8. Clippings are best kept in dark environments with a stable temperature and humidity (70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity). They are best kept in acid and lignin free folders and boxes.
   
   
9. Remember also that they need to be protected from rodent and insect damage.
   

Following is a recipe for deacidifying newsprint:

1. One capful milk of magnesia or one milk of magnesia tablet
   
   
2. One quart of club soda

• Pour or drop milk of magnesia into the bottle of club soda.
• Replace the cap and store in the refrigerator overnight.
• Pour solution into a shallow glass pan.
• Place clipping into the solution for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove carefully and place between white paper towels and pat dry.
• Store overnight between dry white paper towels and weight down with books.
  
  NOTE: Remember that wet newsprint is very fragile so practice using this technique on an unimportant item.