Definition: Archival paper is paper engineered to resist chemical and physical degradation over long periods, making it suitable for preservation of artwork, photographs, documents, and prints. It is typically acid-free, lignin-free, and manufactured under standards that prioritize permanence and stability.

Key Characteristics

Acid-free: Manufactured with a neutral or alkaline pH (generally 7.0-8.5) to prevent hydrolytic breakdown.
Lignin-free: Lignin, a natural wood component, causes paper to yellow and weaken; archival paper excludes it or reduces it to trace levels.
Buffered: Often contains alkaline buffering agents such as calcium carbonate to neutralize environmental acids over time.
Durability: Fibers are chosen and processed to provide physical strength, minimizing brittleness during handling and aging.

Archival vs. Non-Archival Paper

Archival paper: Designed for longevity, meeting ISO and ANSI standards; used for fine art, museum collections, and conservation framing.
Non-archival paper: Typically contains acids, lignin, and optical additives; inexpensive but prone to yellowing, brittleness, and fading.

Types of Archival Paper

Cotton rag paper: Made from cotton linters; highly stable, with centuries of proven durability in books and prints.
Alpha-cellulose paper: Refined wood pulp paper that, when purified and buffered, achieves archival quality.
Coated fine art paper: Designed for inkjet printing; may incorporate baryta or other surface treatments to enhance image quality while maintaining permanence.

Factors Affecting Longevity

Environmental conditions: Light exposure, humidity, temperature, and pollutants strongly affect degradation rates.
Additives: Use of Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs) can make papers appear whiter but may reduce permanence due to their instability.
Storage and handling: Archival enclosures, protective sleeves, and conservation framing maximize the life of archival paper.

Applications

Fine art printing: Commonly used for paper art prints and fine art paper editions.
Photography: Baryta-based and other archival-grade papers replicate traditional darkroom print qualities.
Document preservation: Used in libraries, archives, and museums for conservation of historical texts and important records.
Framing: Preferred for artwork intended for long-term display and collection value.

Standards and Guidelines

ISO 9706: Establishes permanence requirements for paper used in documents.
ISO 11108: Covers archival papers with stricter permanence and durability standards.
Library of Congress & AIC: Recommend acid-free, lignin-free, and buffered papers for long-term preservation of both printed and photographic materials.

Common Misconceptions

"All acid-free paper is archival." Not necessarily-paper may be acid-free but still contain lignin or unstable additives like OBAs that compromise permanence.
"Archival means forever." Even archival paper is susceptible to damage under poor storage or display conditions (light, humidity, pollutants).

Best Practices for Preservation

Choose cotton or purified alpha-cellulose bases for long-term use.
Minimize or avoid papers with OBAs when longevity is paramount.
Store in cool, dry, and dark environments; avoid fluctuating humidity and temperature.
Frame with archival-quality mats, backings, and UV-protective glazing to slow deterioration.

Archival Paper