What’s Acid-Free Paper and Why Use It

There’s nothing more disappointing than watching your cherished documents and artwork deteriorate. It often feels like there’s nothing you can do as the pages fade and tear with time.

However, there is actually a solution to your troubles, and it’s called acid-free paper. But what exactly is this type of paper? What makes it so different from traditional ones?

To help you understand, this article explores the unique properties of acid-free paper and how it can be used to your benefit.

What is Acid-Free Paper?

As the name suggests, acid-free paper is neutral or slightly alkaline in nature, with a pH level of 7 or higher. Its manufacturing process involves purifying the wood pulp of acids and lignin, which can cause paper to spoil over time. By eliminating these properties, this paper presents itself to be much more reliable than traditional paper.

Several other qualities of this paper set it apart from traditional alternatives, including:

1. Strength and Durability: It is of exceptional strength and durability, making it resistant to tearing or wearing over time.
2. Resists Yellowing: Unlike traditional paper, which can discolor and brittle with age, such papers maintain their original color and appearance.
3. Smooth Finish: Typically features a smooth, even finish that refines its appearance and emphasizes the color of the print.

Reasons to Use Acid-Free Paper

Here are some reasons people use these papers:

1. Longer Lifespan

As mentioned before, it has a neutral pH. This chemical difference from traditional paper prevents it from deteriorating, yellowing, or becoming brittle as it ages. So, whatever documents, photographs, or artwork you make on acid-free papers will maintain their appearance for several years.

Furthermore, the longer lifespan of acid-free papers assures that important documents, valuable prints, etc, will remain intact for future generations to admire.

2. Preserves Archival Documents

Professional institutions like libraries, museums, and archives are typically tasked with protecting and preserving historical documents. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if the paper weren’t so reactive to humidity, exposure to light, and changing temperatures. These factors disrupt the chemical composition of the paper and damage its contents. 

Fortunately, acid-free papers do not face these issues. Their quality remains stable and resistant to environmental changes, making them ideal for storing irreplaceable items.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Another reason people use these papers is that they are produced using environmentally friendly methods. Its manufacture involves using fewer chemicals and relies entirely on recycled materials.

You’ll also encounter acid-free papers made from sustainable fibers such as cotton and linen, which are both renewable and biodegradable.

Additionally, acid-free paper’s longer lifespan diminishes the need to frequently replace old pages with new ones. This is especially impactful for the environment as paper waste accounts for 26% of total landfills.

4. Perseveres Artwork

Acid-free papers are commonly used to wrap and preserve artworks. This is because most paintings are vulnerable to environmental factors like humidity and temperature fluctuations. 

These conditions can destroy the paintings by causing them to warp, fade, and grow mold. However, wrapping your paintings in acid-free paper can hinder these effects and maintain the quality of the art.

Furthermore, these papers are much better alternative to standard wrapping paper. The presence of acid in the latter can have detrimental effects on the painting. Over time, the acids will transfer to the artwork, causing it to be yellow, brittle, and stained.

Conclusion

Acid-free paper has significant benefits when it comes to protecting important prints, artwork, and archival materials. Its resistance to yellowing, wear and tear, and several environmental factors make it an excellent choice for preserving the quality of your work. 

So, if you’re looking for high-quality papers to print your documents or create art, check us out at PaperPapers. We offer a wide range of options that are sure to meet your printing and painting needs.