Why your valuable newspaper clippings turn yellow,
and what you can do about it

Many of us hold onto special newspaper clippings as keepsakes of family stories or historical events, and unfortunately those papers turn yellow and brittle with time.

The reason paper ages this way is that most paper contains acid used in the production process, and the cheaper the paper the more acid. Newspapers have a high acid content and as that leaches through it turns yellow and even brown with time. Newspapers can also stain other items they come in contact with. There is nothing you can do to remove the acid unless you take your clippings to a paper conservator and pay a fair amount of money to have them de-acidified.

Ultimately, newsprint is simply not very stable. It's recommended that you scan or make laser copies of clippings you hope to keep for any length of time. Having more than one copy in more than one location always hedges your bet.

If you have full-sized multiple page pieces or are set on keeping the originals, here are some things you can do. Keep them out of the light, as newsprint will fade quickly. Store them in a place where they will be subject to minimal fluctuations of temperature and at a relative humidity as close to fifty percent as possible. Temperature fluctuations strain paper as the fibers continuously expand and contract. Too much humidity can lead to mold and too little humidity can make paper brittle. Do not seal paper into plastic envelopes or tubs as you can trap moisture, and never laminate anything you wish to preserve. Separate newspaper from other valuable keepsakes.

Whether you're preserving the stories from President Ford's funeral or your daughter's third-grade class on the cover of the paper, these guidelines will help you keep your papers for many years to come. If you have questions, for more information.