How to preserve newspaper articles?

Apr 10, 2007 11 Replies

Because newsprint yellows quickly, I've heard that if you want to preserve a newspaper article, it's best to photocopy it onto acid-free paper.



We tried that, but because newsprint is so thin, all of the lettering and images from the back side of the page shows up on the photocopy, and it looks way worse than the original.



Anyone have tips on how to photocopy newspaper articles so the text and images on the back side don't show up on the copy? I was wondering if it would work to put the article on the copy machine and then put black construction paper on top of it before closing the lid. Would a black backing keep the back side text from showing through and being so evident? Anyone ever tried this?



Your tips for preserving newspaper articles would be appreciated!


Could you try lightening the exposure on the copier?

April Mommy to Abby (10-02)

how about a scanner. the light is not as bright and might not pic up the back side. I have had good scanns of newspapers, brochures, and magazine pages with no problems.

cowchipper aka April

I used the spray "preserve it" by 3M (I think) and used it on all my

9-11 articles and at last look they looked just fine. It also stoped the degregation of newspaper articles that had already yellowed back from 1983/4.

HTH Kate

To answer your question, yes, putting black paper behind the article when you photocopy it should help minimize the amount of "clutter" bleeding through. Also, look around for a copier that has a newspaper &/or photo setting. That helps alot, too. Scanners, of course, are even more flexible.

Good luck!

Alicia

Definitely the acid free spray. I like the look of a photo copy with some of the back writing bleeding through. I've made copies of a few things (like box scores of games we've went to) and it looks like I've used the actual newspaper clipping, not a photocopy, because of the slight bleed of the back print coming through. Kathy

I had a recipe somewhere that was gleaned from someone several years in group that did restoration and preservation for a university (?) You used Milk of Magnesia and club soda. The paper was dipped in it, then laid on a flat surface and let dry.

Maybe someone in here knows where or how to find that tip.

Myself, what I have done to preserve and use clippings in my sb albums is this. I take one of those food sealers, cut a acid free sized pouch out of a page protector wih overhang on the paper. (like you put a page in a protector) Then using the food sealer, sealed the edge and VOILA!!! a safe air tight sealed clipping that can be used in your album.

HTH

(HUGS!)

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

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Would laminating the paper help in preserving it? I am wondering about this myself, as I have some articles I would like to include on a LO. They are small, but I also have some larger ones I would like do do something with. Linda

I've heard that newsprint will still yellow even if laminated.

I just watched a DIY Network Scrapbook show - episode SCB - 209 and they recommended Archival Mist which is a spray. I did a search on Google and got several hits where they sell it. They guarantee it for over 100 years but who knows? Hugs, Bonnie A

Thanks everyone for the great tips. Didn't know about those archival sprays. I'm leaning toward treating the original with Archival Mist or similar spray. Then maybe laminating it will prevent physical decay.

The acid is in the paper itself and laminating it just seals it away from other stuff. It will eventually deteroriate itself. Sandy

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