Newsprint Woes

[KidApe]

I very much enjoy using this drawing support,newsprint, and have seen breathtaking drawings completed by inspirations such as Henry Yan, E.M.Gist, and many others. My question is on dealing with its deteriorating nature, being
that it is non acid-free. Is there actually a preservation treatment that can allow for newsprint drawings to be saved? What other paper have you found to be comparable to the qualities of newsprint yet be archival safe?

[CCThrom]

Newsprint is just about the cheapest, crappiest paper in existence. That's why it's so often used for student figure drawing sessions... it's paper designed for "throw-away" work, studies, etc. If you'd like to hang onto your studies for a long time, I strongly recommend not using newsprint.

I don't know if there's any kind of spray or whatnot that will help preserve it... doubtful since the acid which limits it's lifespan actually comes from inside the paper itself. Your best bet to preserve newsprint is to keep it away from light, especially sunlight. It'll last longest laid flat in a dark drawer... and if you're really obsessive, you can use sheets of acid free tissue to separate the pages.

I figure what you like about the surface is the off-white color and the roughish texture? Some of the better printmaking papers have similar surface properties but are a lot thicker. I'm thinking Arches. These papers can be pretty expensive. You might also try something like Strathmore charcoal paper which has a bit of tooth, and comes in a variety of color tones.

[dbclemons]

There are akaline buffer sprays, like Archival Mist (http://www.archivalusa.com/cam1.html), you can use on acidic paper that will help, but the better choice is to use quality acid-free paper to begin with.

[CCThrom]

the better choice is to use quality acid-free paper to begin with

Oops, did I not say that? My bad, and repeated for emphasis! I used newsprint for a while just because that's what they told me to use... but after a while, even for gesture drawings, I started using acid free drawing paper.

[Max Challie]

What is it you like about newsprint? If it is just the off-white colour, you could use sugar paper. Plus, sugar paper is brown! :lineart:

[sigmadog]

What is it you like about newsprint? If it is just the off-white colour, you could use sugar paper. Plus, sugar paper is brown! :lineart:

Sweet!

[OmenSpirits]

You could use a lamenant to seal the newprint. Like sealing in food from air.

[KidApe]

I appreciate your responses.
CCThrom You're right, newsprint is one of the most economical drawing papers available, and if by crappy you mean it's non-permanency, I too agree with this statement, but it's surface quality accepts charcoal with little resistance, and smooth newsprint is especially pleasing to work with, which is why I'm eager to find a comparable substitute.

dbclemonsTakes the acid out of paper, hmm, I'll try this out for sure. Thank you very much for the advice.

OmenSpiritsGood idea. At least this will protect it somewhat from the catalyst; air.

[CCThrom]

Ok, you like smooth newsprint... that's a slightly different animal. Off the top of my head, maybe try a drawing paper that has a "vellum" finish. (Not actual vellum unless you dig transparency)