
A vast majority of HP photo and specialty papers for inkjet printers meet the traditional definition of acid-free and lignin Lignin is a class of complex organic polymers that form key structural materials in the support tissues of vascular plants and some algae. Lignins are particularly important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and bark, because they lend rigidity and do not rot easily. Chemically, lignins are cross-linked phenolic polymers.Lignin
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Executive summary.
Product Name | * Meets traditional industry definition of acid-free? | ** Lignin-free? |
---|---|---|
HP Photo Paper, Glossy | No | Yes |
Do you need acid-free paper to print your photos?
Millions of consumers who are interested in acid-free and lignin-free paper want to print their photos at home for archival purposes. In their search for paper, they often receive stern guidelines and warnings from third-party suppliers about the need for acid-free paper.
Why is most paper acid free?
Today, much of the commercially produced paper is acid-free, but this is largely the result of a shift from kaolin clay to precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) as the main filler material in the pulp: PCC reacts with acids, and therefore requires the pulp to be chemically neutral or alkaline.
Is Canon's photo paper pro acid-and lignin-free?
Is Canon's Photo Paper Pro acid- and lignin-free? I have used it for photos that I will be using in scrapbooks and noticed that all the scrapbook papers boast of being acid-free and lignin-free for
What is the acid-free paper standard?
This voluntary standard covered pH value, tear resistance, alkaline reserve, and lignin thresholds for paper to last thousands of years and was developed to encourage the use of acid-free paper in library materials.

Is Canon photo paper acid free?
Canon Fine Art Photo Rag Paper is made for Canon by Hahnemuhle and is a versatile, soft white paper made from 100% acid-free cotton rag. It has a surface expressly created to pick up every detail in your image.
Is photo paper archival?
Photo-art and baryta papers are made with archival, acid-free cotton or alpha-cellulose base and a smooth white layer that helps reproduce the fine detail and tonal gradations of black-and-white and color photography.
Which papers are acid free?
Acid-free paper is paper that, if infused in water, yields a neutral or basic pH (7 or slightly greater). It can be made from any cellulose fiber as long as the active acid pulp is eliminated during processing.
Is HP photo paper acid free?
A vast majority of HP photo and specialty papers for inkjet printers meet the traditional definition of acid-free and lignin-free because their substrates are produced by alkaline processes and they contain no more than one percent lignin (see table below).
How do you know if paper is acid free?
0:582:07Does It Matter If Paper Is Acid-Free? How Can We Tell If It Is? - Q&A SlicesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause that is this kind of become more of the standard. But a lot of manufacturers willMoreBecause that is this kind of become more of the standard. But a lot of manufacturers will specifically advertise them as being acid-free Rodya is one of them their acid free ph neutral.
Is acid free the same as archival?
Many people seem to think that acid-free paper and archival papers are the same thing, but that is in fact wrong! Acid-free papers are made with the same technology that make alkaline paper, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are the same.
What happens if you don't use acid-free paper?
Eventually the paper becomes exceedingly brittle. This won't happen in months, but rather many many years so whether or not you choose to buy museum quality mats and backing will depend upon how long you want to preserve the work.
Is yellow paper acid free?
Like regular paper, acid-free paper is made from cellulose fibers, but the acid pulp of the fibers is removed during processing. Acid-free paper is also free from sulfur and lignin, an organic tissue in plant fibers that can turn paper yellow if not removed.
How do you make paper acid free?
Add two teaspoons of liquid starch to the pulp water and stir. The liquid starch is used to make the paper less permeable to stop ink from bleeding through. Add calcium carbonate, which will neutralize the lignin. You will need about 3 1/2 ounces of calcium carbonate for every sixteen ounces of pulp.
Is all copy paper acid free?
Truth is that around 80 percent of commercial printing papers today are acid free-- alkaline-- or permanent. What does acid have to do with it? The acid content in a paper is the best indicator of its life expectancy.
What is premium paper?
Premium paper is sometimes referred to as designer paper, fancy paper, or specialty paper. Regardless of what you call these quality papers, PFL is ready to help you decide which paper best suits your personal printing project.
What does lignin free mean?
Lignin-free — Material made with less than 1 percent lignin. Lignin — An organic substance in plants that makes cell walls strong and rigid. When left in paper made from wood pulp, the paper will become acidic due to the lignin chemically degrading.
How do you preserve paper photos?
Store paper items in a clean storage area where you can keep the temperature and relative humidity (RH) moderate and stable. 68 degrees Farenheit or less and between 30-40%. Lower temperature is best for color photos. High (RH) and temperature speed decay; low humidity can crack, peel, or curl photos.
What makes a print archival?
Archival prints are museum-quality pieces that use refined particles of pigment to create beautiful, high-resolution finished artwork. As its name suggests, this method of printing creates artwork that is designed to last for a long time.
What is the difference between photo paper and fine art paper?
The main optical differences between the two paper types are A) Art Paper is completely matte whereas Photo Paper has a sheen to it and B) Art Paper has a very subtle warmth to its base natural white coloring, meaning your print will overall take on a warmer tone. (The warmth is subtle, but still worth noting.)
How do I archive a printed photo?
Store photographs in paper or plastic sleeves within acid-free folders. The folders can then be stored either vertically in flip-top archival boxes or flat in shallow print boxes. Use storage material which is archival, lignin-free and has passed the PAT.
What is the deterioration?
Deterioration is basically any physical and chemical transformation occurring after processing.
How to avoid this by using acid free paper
Improper packaging may also potentiate its degradation. For this reason, the most recommended materials are acid free papers.
How to identify acid free paper?
Acid free paper generally presents a quality certificate where you can read its main characteristics and tests to which it has been subjected.
Basic points to keep in mind
If you are looking for paper to store your file or photo album, keep these basic points in mind:
Why is acid free paper considered acid free?
As a result, the traditional definition of acid-free paper began to be used to describe papers made by non-acidic papermaking processes; these acid-free substrate papers were less likely to degrade with age. Acid-free materials were considered safe for contact with other materials since they would not cause acid-related degradation. Therefore, “acid-free paper” became a traditional term synonymous with long-lasting or archival-quality paper.
How long does acid free paper last?
For example, according to International Paper’s Pocket Pal, creating an acid-free paper is defined as a “process that gives paper over four times the life (200 years) of acid-sized paper (40-50 years). “.
What factors affect the longevity of a paper?
Other key factors—including the acidity of the ink, substrate and coating; the storage conditions; and the lignin content of the paper —also affect the longevity of modern papers. This report deals primarily with two of these key variables associated with paper permanence:
What is paper permanence?
It is important to note that the traditional paper industry considers paper permanence to be the result of optimizing multiple paper properties, two of which are pH level (acidity) and lignin content. Therefore, specific information about acidity and lignin content is almost always nested within discussions and standards for paper permanence.
What is acid in papermaking?
This section defines key papermaking terms. Acid, as it applies to papermaking, is a water-soluble compound that can be present in paper as a result of the papermaking process. In the presence of moisture, acid may cause paper to degrade.
What does pH mean in paper?
In the presence of moisture, acid may cause paper to degrade. pH is a symbol that represents the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A neutral solution has a pH value of seven. The pH value drops toward zero as the acidity increases and rises toward 14 as the alkalinity increases.
What is coated paper?
Coated paper is any type of paper to which a surface coating has been applied in order to enhance appearance and printability.
What is the pH of non acid free paper?
To understand acid-free and non-acid-free paper and framing materials, we need a quick review of chemistry. pH (acid) is measured on a scale of zero to 14. pH neutral is seven; anything below seven is acidic and anything above is alkaline (non-acidic). Acid-free paper has a pH rating above seven.
Why is acid free framing important?
Choosing high-quality acid-free materials throughout the framing process will ensure your art is preserved and protected against deterioration. With a variety of properly treated and acid-free options to fit any project need and budget, it’s easy to make a modest investment that will keep your art in top shape for years to come.
What is the main source of matting discoloring acid?
The main source of paper and matting-discoloring acid is lignin. Lignin is a chemical compound found in the pulp of paper that produces acid as it deteriorates. It occurs naturally in trees and other plants and holds wood fiber together, making it is an obvious component of plant-based paper.
Why do we need frames for pictures?
The Spark and the gilm gets destroyed with external damaginf forces like dust and fingerprints which reaaly need to be kept in mind !! Picture need frames not only to beautify the artwork but also to protect it from the external souces that damage the artwork , which is invaluable with life long memories to be preserved. Arcylic Material are very popular these days as it gives a classic look to the pictures along with the protection. You blog has really enriched us with immence knowledge!! Paintbox Nolita , provides online services for picture framing and also suggesting which frame suits the artwork the best!!
Why is my black and white picture discolored?
If you’ve ever removed the frame off of an old black and white photograph and discover discoloration under the frame, this if the result of acidic paper over time. When exposed to the elements, the acid in paper, matting and frame backings can change the chemical composition of the artwork, affecting color and image clarity.
Is paper made of lignin?
While most paper is made from wood pulp, true acid-free paper is made from cloth or rags. This removes the threat of lignin. Completely acid-free paper is known as rag board or museum rag board. Other paper materials used in art and framing are called wood-pulp paper or pulp paperboard. Paper can be acid-free and still contain lignin, however. Most quality acid-free papers are manufactured to have a minimal amount of lignin and neutralized to prevent fading and yellowing. In this manner, wood pulp based materials can be made essentially acid-free.
Do you need to frame art on acid free paper?
Art and photographs not only need to be produced on acid-free paper, but to truly protect them over time they need to be framed with all acid-free materials. These framing elements can damage artwork if you choose the wrong products:
What is acid free paper?
The acid-free-paper symbol. Acid-free paper is paper that, if infused in water, yields a neutral or basic pH (7 or slightly greater). It can be made from any cellulose fiber as long as the active acid pulp is eliminated during processing. It is also lignin - and sulfur -free. Acid-free paper addresses the problem of preserving documents ...
When was acid free paper invented?
The company Hercules Incorporated developed the first alkaline sizing in the 1950s that made acid-free paper possible. Despite the advances in paper making and the identification of and concern around the brittle book problem, it took decades before the adoption of ANSI NISO Standard Z39.48-1984 - Permanence of Paper for Publications and Documents in Libraries in 1984. This voluntary standard covered pH value, tear resistance, alkaline reserve, and lignin thresholds for paper to last thousands of years and was developed to encourage the use of acid-free paper in library materials. The development of the initial standard was a result of the work of the Council on Library Resources, which effectively lobbied ANSI to adopt the guidelines.
Why is alkaline paper better than other paper?
Because there are fewer corrosive chemicals used in making alkaline paper, the process is much easier on the machinery, reducing downtime and maintenance, and extending the machinery's useful life. The process is also significantly more environmentally friendly.
What is an archival paper?
Archival paper is an especially permanent, durable acid-free paper. Archival paper is meant to be used for publications of high legal, historical, or significant value. In the USA, such paper must also be approved in accordance with the ANSI standards. The international standard for "permanent" paper is ISO 9706 and for "archival" paper, ...
Why is bicarbonate added to paper?
The bicarbonate is added in excess, to supply the paper with an alkaline reserve to provide protection from further attack by acids remaining in the paper or supplied by the environment (e.g. atmospheric sulfur dioxide ).
When was the NISO standard for uncoated paper established?
In 1986 , Standards Committee II of NISO was established to expand Z39.48-1984 to develop standards for coated paper, and was again called upon in 1988 to review and revise the standards for uncoated paper. There are various standards for "acid-free" paper, with differing requirements.
How long does bicarbonate paper last?
In order for paper to last at least 100 years it must have an alkaline reserve of 2% or more.
What is acid free paper?
What is ‘Acid Free Paper’ and why is it important? Acid free paper, sometimes referred to as ‘Archival paper’ is a specialist material which takes a few forms and serves various purposes. Read more to discover what acid free paper is and why you need it?
How long does acid free paper last?
Acid free archival paper can last more than 1000 years and is used in situations where art or documents require a longer life without becoming yellow or breaking down. It's also used commonly in the long term archival storage of art, documents and textiles.
Why is paper acidic?
The natural deterioration of Lignin (a natural part of plant cells in paper) causes the paper to become acidic and break down. This makes most cheap ‘normal’ paper and card unsuitable for long term use and storage. From the moment it is made, the paper is gradually breaking down.
Why is newsprint yellow?
You will see this quite quickly in the cheapest papers, like newsprint, which will turn yellow and brittle very quickly due to it being made of the cheapest unrefined pulp.
What is buffered paper?
Buffered paper contains an agent to neutralise acids that might be introduced to the paper, or develop within the paper. Essentially buffering is protection for the paper and any item stored within it. Buffered storage is generally a benefit but not recommended for some sensitive items. You can read more about buffering here.
How does UV light affect paper?
UV light and heat will speed up the chemical process that causes the degradation of paper. You’ll see this on the edges of the pages of books that have been on a bookshelf exposed to light, the edges will appear darker in colour to the rest of the page. Other than the paper itself being a source of acidity, there are other sources that introduce acid to papers, this is called ‘migrant acidity’. Migrant acidity comes from the environment the paper is in, this could be something very acidic such as an old degraded PVC pocket, another sheet of acidic paper or board, or even airborne pollution.
Is acid free paper acid free?
Acid free paper is acid free when manufactured, this doesn’t mean that acid cannot migrate from another object to it (like an old newspaper cutting, or acidic cardboard storage box), or that eventually some acid might develop as the paper degrades.

Acid-Free vs. Non-Acid-Free
Damage Done by Non-Acid-Free Materials
- If you’ve ever removed the frame off of an old black and white photograph and discover discoloration under the frame, this if the result of acidic paper over time. When exposed to the elements, the acid in paper, matting and frame backings can change the chemical composition of the artwork, affecting color and image clarity. Another form of damage is chemical burning. Whe…
Why Framing Materials Matter
- Art and photographs not only need to be produced on acid-free paper, but to truly protect them over time they need to be framed with all acid-free materials. These framing elements can damage artwork if you choose the wrong products: 1. Mat board 2. Window mat 3. Filler board 4. Backing paper 5. Wood frames 6. Adhesive The commonality of these mate...
Testing Existing Framing Materials
- Upon inspection, it is easy to check already-framed pictures for framing material acidity. Mat boards are made up of layers of materials. When you look at the layers of the mat (typically visible in the framer cuts of the beveled mat window) you’ll see either slightly yellowish layers that indicated wood-pulp board or pure white layers of rag board. Yellowing backing paper also indic…
Prevention
- To prevent deterioration of your art, ensure the quality of the materials used during framing meet International Organization of Standardization (ISO) standards. The ISO 18902 is the key quality standard with respect to photos and the ability to preserve and protect photos for extended periods. Check the framing or matting package and product information for the statement “Meet…