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The nightmare of preserving autographs signed on newspaper

I understand that newspaper is probably the worst type of paper to get an autograph on. With that said, what would be the life expectancy of a felt tip signature signed on a newspaper if displayed properly without major fading?

Tags: autograph, newspaper, preservation

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Permalink Reply by michelle on May 20, 2018 at 8:56am

I have some from the 60s and the sigs look fine, - but I have stored them away rather than display bthem

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on May 20, 2018 at 10:45am

Thank, michelle. Does give me some hope! Avoiding my temptation to display them would be difficult though!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on May 20, 2018 at 9:36am

I assume life expectancy would vary greatly based on the quality of the newsprint and the storage. However, it's safe to say that it won't be too long. Newsprint uses the least expensive and most acidic paper pulp.

I recommend using a treatment such as "Archival Mist" or "Bookkeeper Archival Spray" top de-acidify the newsprint as much as possible. You can find these products online and typically Michael's has Archival Mist in stock.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on May 20, 2018 at 10:41am

Thanks, Steve. Certainly a option I will seriously consider. The Archival Mist can be applied without causing bleeding of the signatures, correct?

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on May 20, 2018 at 10:42pm

Perhaps from the reverse, Joe? I'd just display a color photo of it? I have seen some do fine - other crumble in to dust. And I worry about album paper...

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on May 21, 2018 at 3:34am

I don’t want to guarantee it 100%, but it should be fine.

The archival mist is a fine powdery spray. It doesn’t seem like it’s a liquid. When it goes on, the paper never seems wet.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on May 21, 2018 at 3:35am

Thanks, Steve. Will give it a try.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on June 1, 2018 at 5:31am

Have a couple of questions for you, Steve, if you don't mind. I ordered some of the "Archival Mist" you mentioned. Have you used this before? If using it only on the back side of the newspaper page, is that sufficient? It is a signed newspaper with felt tip signatures and my concern is that is doesn't create any bleeding.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Zarelli on June 1, 2018 at 7:56am

It's been years since I used it, but if I recall, I only applied it to the reverse side. No issues.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on June 1, 2018 at 7:58am

Thanks. I'm cautious when trying something new. Appreciate all the information. It does help ease my mind.

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Permalink Reply by Jimbo on June 2, 2018 at 1:33am

I’d advise to get yourself a newspaper, sign your name with a similar marker. Allow ink to dry properly for a few days and apply the mist accordingly. Then let it sit for a week and see how it reacts.

No guarantees of course but might give you the confidence to use it for real.

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Permalink Reply by Joe W. on June 2, 2018 at 4:31am

Exactly my plan, Jimbo. I already have the deacidification mist with the proper museum quality backing board and 100% rag matting ordered for the project. Studied about 10-12 articles on the subject. Going to test on a similar newspaper next week.

I don't foresee a problem. Nothing beats an actual hands on experience though. Thanks.