What risk do I run scrapbooking with paper that is not acid free?

Question

I am finishing up a scrapbook page and I have the perfect paper for a little script in the corner of the page. The only thing is, the paper is not acid free. I know that acid free paper is best for pictures, but If I print something out on this acid paper, and put it on my page, what will happen? It won't be directly touching the pictures... but even if it was, what would happen? Why is construction paper bad?

Answer 1

over the years the ink will fade or change colors, and you may see some color smudges on your picture

Answer 2

maybe nothing; but likely, your pictures will start looking odd, faded, or streaked.  If you're scrapbooking for art, then it's no problem to use anything you like.  If you're scrapbooking for posterity, do use the acid and lignin free papers.

Some say that as long as your photos are not touching the non-acid free stuff, you're fine.  Others say that once you slip that into a page protector, you create a little sealed environment where chemical reactions happen.  If that's true (and I don't know for sure), then you NEVER want to use non acid-free papers.

Construction paper is bad because it fades VERY quickly.  Ever notice how drab and boring construction paper bulletin boards look in just a short time?  

Most printer paper is ok to use.  Most inkjet printers are OK, too.

Answer 3

It will fade them over the years. Especially if the photo is in direct contact with the piece of paper. (lol..i will not burst into flames..lol)

Answer 4

The pictures will burst into flames immediately.