Paper

What does it mean that Creative Memories papers are acid-free? Creative Memories papers have a pH of 7.0 to 9.5. When paper has a pH outside of this range, it can discolor and become brittle over time. The pH test is conducted using the cold extraction method. Cold extraction measures the actual pH of the paper after it has soaked in distilled water.

What is lignin, and how does it affect paper products? Lignin is a natural substance found in wood pulp that gives wood its rigidity. Without lignin, a tree would not stand upright but would bend like rubber. Lignin causes paper products, such as old newspaper, to turn yellow or become brittle over time.

Does lignin migrate like acids? Unlike acids, lignin does not migrate. It can, however, react with materials such as photographs. We do not recommend placing photographs in direct contact with memorabilia that contains lignin

What is buffering? Buffered material has an alkaline reserve of at least 2 percent calcium carbonate and resists the effects of acid in the environment or in memorabilia

Why is buffering important in paper products? The addition of a buffering agent to paper products helps neutralize acids that come in direct contact with the paper. A buffering agent also prevents acids from migrating to other areas of the page or onto photographs. Acids that come in direct contact with your photographs could accelerate the natural aging process and cause them to discolor or fade.

What are the characteristics of Dye-Series paper? Creative Memories Dye-Series paper products are acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and pass the photographic activity test (PAT).

What are the characteristics of Photo-Safe paper? Creative Memories Photo-Safe papers conform to international standard ISO 18902 for photographic preservation and storage. In addition to being acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and passing the PAT, Photo-Safe papers are also fade and bleed resistant. These papers are typically manufactured with the highest quality pigments rather than dye.

Do the manufacturers of Creative Memories papers use environmentally safe bleaching processes? Our paper suppliers have changed their pulp bleaching processes away from elemental chlorine bleaching to more environmentally friendly methods. They have changed the bleaching process also to safeguard their worker's safety.

Can the oils from my hands turn my paper acidic? The amount of acid in hand-oil is so minute that the buffering in our papers will easily neutralize it.

Can I print on Photo Mounting Paper? Our Photo Mounting Paper is not optimized to absorb inkjet inks. You may, however, use most Creative Memories Photo Mounting Papers in a laser printer or photocopier. It will act just like any other copier paper.

Can I use a pH pen to test the acidity of other papers? The Creative Memories definition of Acid-Free states: Because acid damages photographs and memorabilia, pages and decorative items in your albums should be acid-free. Photo-safe material has a lab-tested pH between 7.0 and 9.5.

Creative Memories paper is tested for pH using the cold extraction method, which involves a lengthy process which measures the pH of the entire paper. pH pens test the acidity of paper products at the surface only. These types of pens can be easily misinterpreted or inaccurate as they test only the surface of a material which can be easily corrupted by hand oils, etc. To provide more accurate readings, pH pens must be used only on white, uncoated paper.

Why doesn’t Creative Memories use recycled paper for album pages and photo mounting paper? Creative Memories incorporates mill waste into its paper products. Post-consumer waste is not used because it may contain materials that are not photo-safe.

Is Creative Memories paper recyclable? Yes, all Creative Memories paper products are recyclable; however, some municipalities may not accept metallic paper.