If you want to preserve the color and quality of your newspaper clippings, there are a few things you can try. Before you try any of these, make sure you make a photo copy of the article just in case... Especially if you are using one of the methods that use liquid or the spray.
-
The simplest thing to do is to copy the clipping onto acid-free cardstock. You can also scan and print it.
-
You can cover the front and the back of the clipping using clear contact paper.
-
Try a “deacidification” spray. How this works is that it supposedly neutralizes the acid in the newspaper. I have read though that while it seems to work great, it is not a permanent solution. You should be able to find it at a favorite scrapbooking or art supply store. A couple name brands for this product are EK Success Archival Mist Acid Neutralizing Spray and Krylon Make It Acid Free.
-
I have read that soaking the newspaper clippings in a shallow dish of distilled water for about 20 minutes will do the trick. Make sure the newspaper clipping lays flat to dry on a clean white towel, which can take several hours.
-
I also read that you can soak the newspaper in a solution of Milk of Magnesia and club soda. Dissolve 1 Milk of Magnesia tablet in one quart of club soda. Let this mixture sit about 8 hours. Stir it well and pour it into a shallow dish. Lay the newspaper clipping in the solution and let it soak for 1 or 2 hours. Carefully remove the newspaper clipping and set on a clean, white towel to dry.
