Newspaper clippings can yellow and become brittle in a very short period of time, making them illegible. Laminating in plastic will not stop the yellowing process as the problem comes from the acids in the paper itself.

This method will preserve newspaper clippings for an estimated 200 years regardless if the print is from traditional ink, soybean ink, or color ink pictures.

Add a tablespoon of white milk of magnesia to a quart of Club Soda.

Replace the cap on the bottle and let it sit undisturbed for 8 hours, or overnight.

In a shallow flat pan place the newspaper article you wish to treat. Smooth it out flat if necessary.

Gently pour the solution alongside the newspaper, until the paper is submerged under the solution.

Allow the pan to sit undisturbed for one hour.

Carefully remove the paper from the solution and lay it on several thicknesses of paper or cloth towels.

Blot gently (it will tear easily while wet) to remove excess moisture.

Another method is to drain the solution from the pan by pouring from one corner, then leaving the newspaper clipping in the pan and gently blotting with toweling to remove the excess solution. When it is fully dry, the paper can easily be removed.

This non-toxic solution may be stored indefinitely, and brought out whenever another newspaper article is to be preserved. (Drinking this mixture will not cause harm, but it might be advisable to mark the bottle in some way so it doesn't end up in someone's cocktail!)



This article is copyrighted material, and is not to be used elsewhere without my express permission. Contact me for information. All Rights Reserved Copyright 1-20-2004 Aislinn Morgan