Why do newspapers turn yellow over time? (2024)

FAQs

Why do newspapers turn yellow over time? ›

With paper, it all comes back to the fact that it's made from wood, which contains the substance lignin. When the molecules responsible for color (chromophores) in lignin are exposed to air and sunlight, they become less stable, causing them to absorb more light, gradually darkening the paper from white to yellow.

Key Takeaways. Newspapers turn yellow over time due to the presence of lignin in the paper, which reacts with air and sunlight, causing oxidation and a change in color.

As it turns out, that's actually not too far from the truth. As Reader's Digest recently explained, this color-changing phenomenon is the result of the chemical reaction known as oxidation, the same process that causes sliced apples to turn brown.

Storage: Store newspapers where it's cool and dry. Damp conditions can encourage the growth of mold and attract insects. Hot conditions can accelerate the yellowing and embrittlement of newspaper clippings. Handling: Handle newspapers and clippings carefully to avoid chips of brittle paper breaking off.

As others have mentioned, paper turns yellow due to oxidation when exposed to sunlight. The only way to keep standard office quality papers from yellowing is to store them in low-light conditions. If you have control over what type of paper you use in the first place, invest in acid-free paper.

With paper, it all comes back to the fact that it's made from wood, which contains the substance lignin. When the molecules responsible for color (chromophores) in lignin are exposed to air and sunlight, they become less stable, causing them to absorb more light, gradually darkening the paper from white to yellow.

The acid content in paper causes brittleness to develop. 2.In the presence of visible light, photosensitized oxidation occurs. 3. The ultra-violet component of sunlight causes photolysis of cellulose by direct cleavage of the cellulose polymer.

Why does your once white clock face, storage box, old video game console, or white appliances turn yellow? Well, it's because of excess UV light exposure. The more exposed plastic is to UV light, the quicker it changes color. However, the change of color does not happen straight away – it will take a while to change.

The more lignin that's removed, the longer the paper will remain white. But newspaper — which is made cheaply — has more lignin in it than a typical textbook page, so it turns a yellow-brown color faster than other types of paper, she said.

The byproducts of lignin deterioration damage cellulose, and the paper becomes brittle. That is why old newspapers are yellow-to-brown and tend to break off at creases.

How do you restore yellowed newspaper? ›

How do you restore yellowed paper? Soak the paper in a bleach solution for 10 minutes. Combine 1 part bleach and about 15 parts water in a bowl and place your yellowed paper in the solution. Push it down slightly so the entire surface area of the paper is wet.

ACA Paper Restoration's newspaper conservation and newspaper restoration services include deacidifying, patching, pressing, mold treatment and encapsulation (protecting a piece in a custom made clear polyester sleeve). Find out what we can do to enhance and preserve your newspaper by Contacting Us today!

Newspapers of that period are printed on paper containing ground wood fibers which, as the term implies, are crude fibers containing the impurities associated with them in the wood. Owing to these impurities such fibers have a relatively short life and cause rapid deterioration of paper containing them.

You shouldn't use hairspray to fix drawings. It is likely to yellow over time, often quickly. It may also change the appearance of your work, making it appear darker or even dissolving some colours completely. You should seal your drawings with an artist quality fixative spray instead.

Using a cleaning solution: A mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and white vinegar, can be used to remove stains and yellowing from white paper. Be sure to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the paper before using it on the entire document.

Acid free paper, sometimes referred to as 'Archival paper' is a specialist material which takes a few forms and serves various purposes.

But over time cellulose fibers oxidize. The process modifies parts of various molecules and turns them into what are called chromophores, which absorb light. White paper is white because it reflects all colors of light. Aging paper filled with chromophores reflects wavelengths that make it look yellow.

This is because paper contains tiny amounts of acid. This acid slowly breaks down the cellulose fibres in the paper which change the colour of paper from white to yellow. The reaction speeds up in sunlight and the paper may turn brown and become brittle.

However, all paper will age over time, and this will become obvious from two main aspects, yellowing and decreased strength.