| Wood-based paper is sometimes considered low quality. On the other hand, high quality cotton-based materials are also called acid-free or museum quality. When wood-based paper matting is used, it fades and yellows pictures over time because of the acid within the paper itself. So, when preserving mementos such as photographs in scrapbooks or picture frames, acid-free paper should be considered for matting or backing.
The purpose of good framing is not only to display memorabilia, but to preserve and protect. Unfortunately, acid-free paper costs about twice that of wood-based paper. Memories are precious though, and a little more money spent now will save more than having a picture restored in just a few years.
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