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.