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Here is a list of terms and definitions that you may not be familiar with when you start scrapbooking.
Acid - In chemistry, acid is a substance capable of forming hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Acids can weaken cellulose in paper, board, and cloth, leading to embrittlement. Acids may be introduced in the manufacturing of materials and left in intentionally (as in the addition of certain sizing, like starch or glue) or incidentally. Acids may also be introduced by migration from other materials or from atmospheric pollution. Discoloration and embrittlement in your scrapbook pages are attributed to acid.
Acid free - Paper material with a pH of 7.0 to 9.5, when tested using cold extraction; adhesive material with a pH of 7.0 - 9.5 when tested using a surface probe. You want acid free paper when scrapbooking so your pages and materials do not become brittle or discolored.
Archival - An ambiguous term to describe everything from backup copies of computer files to documents that remain accessible for an indefinite time in future; no longer used in International Standards for imaging materials. Some places sell Archival Quality materials. These are usually acid-free and lignin-free and suitable for scrapbooking.
Bleed-resistant - Material that resists color transfer when placed in water or in a humid environment. With proper storage, this should not be an issue with your scrapbook pages.
Buffered - This is a material with an alkaline reserve of at least two percent calcium carbonate that resists the effects of acids in the environment or in memorabilia. You can purchase spray that will make your pictures, papers and other materials suitable for scrapbooking. This spray creates a buffer on the item, preventing the acid from affecting other items in your scrapbook.
Fade-resistant - Material that resists change when exposed to light. If you don't want your scrapbook pages fading, you want to use fade-resistant materials for your scrapbook.
ISO 18902 - International standard specifying materials that may be used in photographic albums and other enclosures; requires that material for photographic enclosures be acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and bleed-resistant. This is an excellent standard for the scrapbooker! This standard ensures that the materials you purchase are indeed scrapbook quality.
Journaling - Telling the story of the photos in your scrapbook. This can be done in an elaborate manner with different colored pens and fancy lines, or a simple black text description.
Layout - In printing, it is the art or process of arranging printed or graphic matter on a page. It is the overall design of a page, spread, or book, including elements such as page and type size, typeface, and the arrangement of titles and page numbers. The layout is the overall design conept that you use when scrapbooking. You can follow a prebuilt scrapbooking layout, or make up your own.
Lignin - A component of the cell walls of plants that occurs naturally, along with cellulose. Lignin is largely responsible for the strength and rigidity of plants, but its presence in paper and board is believed to contribute to chemical degradation. It can be, to a large extent, removed during manufacturing. No standards exist for the term Lignin Free and additional research is needed to determine the precise role lignin plays in the durability and permanence of paper. Currently most photo preservationists believe lignin to be more harmful to photos than acid. To be on the safe side, you should try and purchase lignin-free materials for your scrabooking needs.
Lignin free - Produced from wood pulp that has had the naturally occurring lignin content reduced to less than one percent.
pH - A numerical measurement of acidity and alkalinity: 0 being very acidic, 14 being very alkaline, and 7 being neutral.
Photo-safe - Material that complies with ISO 18902-2001 and will not accelerate the natural aging of photographs. Photographs will age with time. You want to make sure that your scrapbook photo's do not prematurely age... so be sure to use photo-safe materials.