Why Acid-Free Protects Delicate Items
Acid in standard tissue comes from lignin, a natural compound in wood pulp that breaks down and releases acids as it ages. Those acids transfer to wrapped items and cause yellowing in fabric, brittleness in paper, and tarnish on metal. Acid-free tissue is made lignin-free and pH-neutral, measured at pH 7 or higher. It holds that neutral level over time, so a wedding dress, a christening gown, or an archival print stays as it was stored.
Buffered vs Unbuffered Acid-Free Tissue
Buffered acid-free tissue carries an alkaline reserve that neutralizes future acids, and suits cotton, linen, and paper. Unbuffered tissue is pH-neutral with no reserve, and suits silk, wool, leather, and photographs.
The difference matters for what you wrap. Buffered tissue holds calcium carbonate, which keeps neutralizing acids as the item ages, so it protects cellulose items like cotton and books for the long term. Protein-based items react badly to alkalinity, so silk, wool, fur, leather, and photographs need unbuffered tissue instead. Match the tissue to the material, since the wrong one shortens the life of the very item it protects.
| Tissue |
pH |
Best For |
| Buffered |
8.0–9.5 alkaline reserve |
Cotton, linen, paper, books |
| Unbuffered |
7.0–7.5 neutral |
Silk, wool, leather, photographs |
What to Use Acid-Free Tissue For
Acid-free tissue protects items meant to last. Boutiques wrap apparel and bridal wear in it, since it stops fabric yellowing in storage. Jewelers use it to slow silver tarnish. Collectors and archives use it for photos, prints, and documents. For a full apparel-packaging range, see custom garment tissue.
Acid-Free Tissue Paper Specifications
- pH: 7 or higher, lignin-free
- Grades: buffered or unbuffered
- Protects against: yellowing, tarnish, brittleness, acid migration
- Weight: 17 to 22 gsm
- Print: plain or logo-printed with water-based inks
- Standard size: 20 by 30 in, custom sizes available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acid-free tissue paper?
Acid-free tissue paper is pH-neutral, lignin-free stock measured at pH 7 or higher. It protects delicate items from the yellowing and brittleness that acids in ordinary tissue cause.
What is the difference between buffered and unbuffered acid-free tissue?
Buffered tissue holds an alkaline reserve and suits cotton, linen, and paper. Unbuffered tissue is neutral with no reserve and suits silk, wool, leather, and photographs.
Does acid-free tissue stop silver tarnishing?
Yes. Acid-free, sulfur-free tissue slows the tarnish that acids and sulfur compounds cause on silver and other metals.
Can acid-free tissue be printed with a logo?
Yes. It prints plain or with your logo in water-based inks, so archival protection and branding work together.
Order Custom Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Protect garments, heirlooms, and delicate items in pH-neutral, branded tissue. Choose buffered or unbuffered, your size, and print, upload any artwork in PDF, AI, EPS, or PNG at 300 DPI minimum, approve a free proof within one business day, and ship free across the US. Order your custom acid-free tissue paper today.
