ziplock bags for PP storage

Ok, so I was reading another thread about how to store PP. Someone said they use 2.5 gal. ziplock bags to store pp. I think its a great idea, but is it acid free? If it's not, does it matter because you've not yet adhered a photo to it? I know that CM is BIG on making EVERYTHING acid free from papers to storage and was just wondering if it makes a difference? TIA

the plastic used for ziplock type bags has less than 1 part per 1000 acid content........barely there. There are papers out there that have more than that and are considered acid free.

there are companies that make "acid free" archival bags for scrapbookers........they up the price on them considerably though.

Thanks for the info! that was very helpful.

I use ziplock bags for my pages in progress. I don't typically store anything in them for a long period of time.

There is probably more damaging acid on your hands.

This is actually a good question. I don't know what long term storage of paper in a non-archival container will do to it. ?? My guess is that it wouldn't hurt it too much. There are plenty of people who have stored things wrapped in newspaper for decades with little or no damage (although I probably wouldn't recommend it ).

this question actually got me really curious so I did some research....

Acid is based on a scale of 1-14

7 is neutral
1 is highly acidic
14 is highly alkaline

anyway, the acid in your hands is 5.5
paper that is sold as "acid free" and "buffered" is 8.5-9.5 on the alkaline side.

There are plastic bags marketed as "archival" that are considered "acid free" but the generic "over the counter" bags barely have enough acid to register.

I use the 2.5 gallon bags for several reasons:

a. they are cheap
b. they protect my paper from dust which I have a lot of because I live on a gravel road
c. I don't consider the plastic in them anymore acidic than the plastic used by sterilite to make the iris boxes or drawers that are marketed to scrapbookers.
d. I figure the minute amount of acid that may get on my papers won't destroy it before the 3rd or 4th generation removed from me gets all my stuff and at that point I highly doubt they give a hoot about me anyway

I have lots of papers in these bags. No trouble noted yet.

I think that the cost of purchasing archival quality plastic bags enough to store ALL the pp that I own, would be prohibitive to the point that I could not afford to purchase paper any more,,,,,

I also think the risk of using these large bags is so minimal as to be almost non-existent,,,,,

if we are THAT concerned about it, then we should be scrapping with gloves on, because it appears we have more acid in our hands,,,,,

I have heard of this but have never tried it. it might actually be a good idea though...

I store paper in zip-loc bags all the time. I haven't had any problems, either. It's an easy and inexpensive solution!

I have been using ziploc bags to store my cs scraps for years, no troubles yet!

Thanks for all your answers and your research Melanie. I will "invest" LOL in large ziploc bags!

I use the zippy bags too.

I store paper, stickers, embellishments, pens, chalks...just about everything in ziplocks. The paper is meant to be used right away, but of course most of it isn't but nothing seems to have faded, yellowed or turned brittle. And even if I do use my stuff right away it goes right into....a plastic page protector.

What I love them for is preparing for crops. I make up my layout kits and put one per bag - paper, patterned paper, photos, embellies, flowers, etc. One LO per bag.

• Bxr-Linda Said:

My DH had his childhood train wrapped in newspaper in a trunk. I went to check it recently and found all of the cars corroded from the acid in the newspaper.