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How to Save Newspaper Articles

Many people enjoy saving newspaper articles that are important to them. A loved one's wedding announcement, a child's game-winning home run or a major event are all worth preserving. Unfortunately newspaper is specifically manufactured to be cheap and disposable. While higher quality paper can last for centuries, newspaper will only last decades. You can extend the life of newspaper articles as long as possible by taking a few basic steps.

Things You'll Need

Sharp scissors
Acid-free polyester sleeve
Alkaline-buffered paper
Preservation box

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the article out of the newspaper. Use a pair of sharp scissors so that you can make clean cuts; dull scissors can shred the edges of the article.
- 2
  Insert the clipping in an acid-free polyester sleeve, available at most stationary stores.
- 3
  Insert a sheet of alkaline-buffered paper behind the clipping. The paper will neutralize the acids given off by the newspaper. This paper should be replaced every few years.
- 4
  Place the article and sleeve into an acid-free preservation box. Do not fold it, which weakens the paper, or use paper clips or staples, which interact with the acids in the paper and cause it to degrade.
- 5
  Store the box in a cool, dark area. Ideally the temperature should be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity should be between 40 and 50 percent.

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