Why acid free ink?

[PaperManipulator]

Yesterday my DIL called to ask where she could get a blue and a purple pen to use with some pre-made schooldays scrapbooks I bought for my grandchildren at Costco. I gave her some suggestions and told her to be sure they are acid free. She asked why. I couldn't come up with a good answer. I always use acid free products, both in scrapbooking and card making. I know paper can yellow over time, and they can affect photos, but what about ink? What happens if one does not use acid free ink?

[calgramma]

I think the short answer is that the ink can leach into your embellies and photos.

[cgeemvf]

I've read that the acid in ink and other things you apply can weaken the structure of paper over time.

Colleen

[PaperManipulator]

Thanks Jeri and Colleen. That makes sense! I figured there was a good reason to use acid free ink, just not sure what it was.

[Scrapjanny]

All of the above, plus inks that aren't a-f often change colors and fade over time.

[PaperManipulator]

Oh, I hadn't thought about the ink fading or changing color. Thanks, Scrapjenny!

[Scrapjanny]

You're welcome.