Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

The Best Way to Preserve Newspaper Articles

Newspapers are a valuable source of information but are also difficult to preserve as they are printed on low quality wood pulp paper that has a high acid content. The environment also has an effect on newspapers. Heat and humidity can cause mold growth on paper and changes in the temperature can cause the paper to curl and split. Ideally, you should store newspapers in a cool, dry environment, at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instructions

- 1
  Photocopy the articles you want to preserve on to permanent paper. This is the best way to preserve newspaper because it's a higher quality paper that is meant to last. Permanent paper has no acid and is also tear resistant. It's available at office supply stores and is a good option if the newspaper starts to discolor or the text starts to fade. Entire pages of newspapers have to be photocopied in sections due to their size.
- 2
  Use photograph sleeves or encapsulation envelopes for the newspapers if you are unable to photocopy the articles or want to store the original newspapers. Encapsulation envelopes are clear pieces of polyester that are used for holding a document and sealed together at the ends. The sleeves or envelopes can be placed in a scrapbook or in an acid free, buffered box that are available at libraries or archive supply stores. Newspapers should not be glued into scrapbooks because the paper is fragile and will easily tear.
- 3
  Apply an alcohol based deacidification spray. This is available at libraries and archive supply stores. Deacidification sprays neutralize the acid in the paper, keeping it from becoming yellow and brittle. This is a more expensive option and it is not permanent. One application typically lasts between 7-10 years. It also affects colored ink. If you choose this method to preserve your newspaper articles, use ventilation when spraying this type of product.
- 4
  Scan the newspaper articles into your computer. If you have a computer and a scanner, this is a permanent option that would allow you to store the articles and print them onto paper whenever you like. Another benefit of using your computer is the option to adjust the color, resize the print and crop out anything unwanted.

Other Collecting