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If you are an artist who cares about the longevity and preservation of your work, you might have heard of the terms “acid-free” and “archival” when it comes to paper quality. But what do they mean, and how do they affect your art? Let's take a look.  Acid-free paper is paper that has a neutral or alkaline pH, meaning it does not contain any acids that could cause deterioration or discoloration over time. Acid-free paper is more resistant to yellowing and fading, and it is better for the environment. Archival paper is paper that meets certain standards of permanence and durability, in addition to being acid-free. Archival paper should also contain no groundwood or unbleached pulp, meet strict limits on metallic content, and be free from optical brighteners, which artificially make the sheet whiter. Archival paper is often made with 100% cotton, which is considered to be the most stable and pure cellulose fiber. Acid-free paper is not necessarily archival, and archival paper is not necessarily acid-free. For example, an acid paper with buffers added could still deteriorate or yellow if the acid remaining in the sheet or formed during aging exceeds the buffering capacity. Conversely, an alkaline paper without any buffers could become acidic over time due to environmental factors.
Most papers that have archival properties were originally designed for use in printing. However, certain papers, like Stonehenge, have gained popularity among coloured pencil artists due to their archival qualities. Archival papers are known for their lightfastness, which is typically assessed using the "Blue Wool" scale. This means that these papers do not fade over time or experience significant fading compared to non-lightfast papers. Conversely, non-archival papers like the Ursus line, are acid-free and can still be protected in various ways. If you intend to frame your artwork, it is advisable to use UV-protected or museum-quality glass as a means of safeguarding the artwork. Although this option may be more expensive, it provides the assurance of long-term protection. Did you know? If you cover the entire surface using lightfast products, the underlying material is protected from direct exposure to light. Lightfast products are designed to resist degradation when exposed to light, significantly reducing the rate of fading. However, it’s important to note that no product can completely eliminate fading, especially under intense or prolonged exposure to light. Regular maintenance and care are still necessary to preserve the appearance and quality of the surface. Advice for caring for your archival and acid free paper
The term “archival” is not regulated or standardised, and different manufacturers and archivists may have different definitions and criteria for what makes a paper archival. Therefore, it is important to check the specifications and certifications of the paper before buying it, and to look for reputable brands and sources.
What’s your favourite type of paper for your art? Do you go for acid-free, archival, or a mix of both? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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A list of 12 Black paper brands - Archival and Acid Free optionsBlack paper is a great base colour, as it defies the natural process in developing art on a traditional light based paper. Instead of working from light to dark, as is the normal practice when working with coloured pencils, it is inverted. Since you already have a dark foundation, you select lighter versions of the tones you would usually choose for a light coloured paper. White positively 'pops' on a black surface, and it is this impact which draws artists to it. Black paper is extremely effective when used with metallic and interference colours, however, translucent pigments are less efficient than opaque pigments. During our search for the 12 black surfaces we include in this article, we found there are far more options, with many companies producing their own ranges, in varying shades of black and different textures. The following article provides you with a selection of the most popular brands, including some lesser known, which are suitable for different mediums and offer varying textures, allowing you to choose the one(s) most relevant.
Which black paper surface do you prefer?
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