The reason why are acid-free and lignin-free products and why most scrapbooker and/or card makers worried about them is because most paper contains acid. This will damage photos over time and cause them to fade. Most papers also contain lignin, a natural component of wood. Lignin will break down and become acidic over time. Therefore, make sure your paper is acid-free and lignin-free for longest photo life.

Papers and other supplies have a natural tendency to deteriorate in time. Acids in many things such as paper, adhesives and embellishments that are in contact with the pictures make them fade and become brittle.

Remember any thing that is Acid Free is Safe. Look for when buying supplies title such as archival-safe, acid-free, photo-safe materials. They will help preserve your photos and the life of your work.

Acid Testing Pen, having a PH testing pen (checks acid content) on any supplies that could be questionable. When in dough check them first. This help insure that everything that come in contact with your photos are safe.

Also available is a spray can product by Krylon which make non acid free items acid free and another product which preserves items.