Newspaper Clippings Preservation Technique

This technique is in answer to Sue's question about how to preserve newspaper clippings without using a store bought solution.

There are a few good mfg'd sprays to use on acidic ephemera (Archival Mist & Make It Acid-Free) but when you are short on time, funds or you simply can't find these pre-made solutions, here is a little trick to get you through!

Recipe for Preserving Newspaper Clippings

Supplies:

Club Soda

Milk of Magnesia Tablets

Large Cookie Sheet

Newspaper Clippings

Towels or other absorbent surface

Iron (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dissolve 1 Milk of Magnesia tablet in 1 quart (.95 liters) of club soda.

2. Let this mixture stand in the refrigerator over night.

3. The next morning, stir the mixture and pour it into a large baking sheet.

4. Place the news paper clippings into the solution for 1-2 hours. Since you're working in a baking sheet you may soak more than one clipping at a time. Whatever space allows.

5. Carefully remove the clippings from the soda/M.O.M. solution and place on the paper toweling (or other absorbent surface). Allow to dry completely.

6. (optional) If you would like you can run a warm (NOT hot) iron over the clipping to flatten.

Your clippings are now ready for use!