Labeling artifacts and specimens presents a formidable challenge to researchers, curators, and historians, especially in archival settings. Label integrity and longevity are crucial. But so is the preservation of what’s being labeled. It’s here that acid-free archival labels shine, providing long-lasting identification, information, and traceability—all without damaging objects, items, or specimens.
What Is an Acid-Free Archival Label?
An acid-free archival label features a neutral pH level (7 or higher on the pH scale) in its adhesive and facestock. Although standard paper products contain a small amount of natural acid, another considerable issue is posed by lignin.
Lignin is the compound in plants that gives them structure, rigidity, and durability. Lignin becomes acidic as it breaks down—causing the paper to become brittle and brown over time. (This is why the pages of your favorite old paperback become fragile and yellow with age.) It’s important to understand that even if a product is acid-free when it’s manufactured, if it contains lignin, it can become acidic over time.
Not only can acid impact the performance of labels themselves, but it can also damage valuable artifacts. Acidic compounds can migrate from one material to another—for example, from a traditional label to a specimen. In an archival setting, this can cause irreversible damage to irreplaceable objects such as old photographs, historic texts, or rare books.
Is Acid-Free the Same as Archival?
The terms acid-free and archival are often used together, but it’s also common to see them used interchangeably.
Acid-free archival labels have a neutral pH at the time of manufacture. Consequently, they offer lasting, stable performance. Acid-free, lignin-free labels take protection and preservation to the next level. They maintain a neutral pH and are tested to confirm the absence of lignin, ultimately safeguarding important archival materials over a long period of time.
There is no standard that a label must meet to be called “archival.” While generally “archival” labels are designed to resist deterioration and not degrade items, objects, and specimens, there’s no guarantee. This is why it’s important to look for acid- and lignin-free labels, which are regulated.
Another standard to look for in archival labels is passing the Photographic Activity Test (P.A.T.). This test predicts how materials affect photographic materials—a very sensitive medium—and is a good indicator of how labels will fare in archival applications.
Why Are Acid-Free Labels Important?
Chemical deterioration of labels can result in yellowing, staining, brittleness, and curling—all of which are highly undesirable when your goal is long-term preservation. The facestock and adhesive play a vital role in the manufacturing of archival labels.
Electronic Imaging Materials offers a number of acid-free, lignin-free labels for archival applications.
What Are the Main Uses for Acid-Free Labels?
Acid-free labels are used in a variety of archival applications by professionals, including:
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Collection managers
- Curators
- Entomologists
- Forensic teams
- Librarians
- Registrars
Whether labeling fine art in museums, specimens in laboratories, or culturally significant community records at a historical society, the use of acid-free materials is crucial to prevent deterioration over time.
How Do I Find High-Quality Acid-Free Labels?
Where can you purchase permanent archival labels? Try Electronic Imaging Materials! Selecting the right label for your application depends on your specific needs. Our Label Experts have decades of experience helping customers find the perfect label and can offer valuable guidance for your labeling project. Make a careful acquisition for collection and contact us today!
