Acid Migration
The transfer of acid from an acidic material to a less acidic or neutral pH material. This occurs when neutral materials are exposed to pollutants such as air, water and even an artist's hands. Acid can also migrate from adhesives, boards, protective tissues such as glassine, paper covers, acidic art supplies and memorabilia.
Acid-Free
Most products contain a fair amount of natural acid. In order to manufacture acid-free products the natural acid in the base products must be removed or neutralized. Picking up an acid-free piece of paper with your hands causes the natural acid on your hands to migrate to the paper. This is also the case when any acid-free product is used with products that are not acid-free. The reason it is important to use acid-free products is to prevent the yellowing and deterioration of paper and photos over time. Paper that is acid-free at the time of manufacture has a pH level ranging from 7.0 - 9.0. Some acid-free materials can become acidic over time.
Acrylic paint
A water-soluble synthetic paint made from pigments and a plastic binder, that dries quickly. It can be diluted with water and used for stamping and edging.
Acrylic Stamp
Clear see-through stamps that can be mounted onto acrylic blocks of different sizes and used for stamping. Particularly popular as you can see exactly where your stamped image will be. It makes placement of stamped images much easier than their wood mounted counter parts. Acrylic stamps have a sticky back that adheres to the acrylic block. Once you have cleaned the stamp simply remove it and place onto the supplied clear sheet for storage until the next time you want to use it. If they should loose their stickiness, simply rinse with water to make them tacky again.
Adhesive
A bonding agent (glue) used to affix one item to another. A wide variety of adhesives are available like glue sticks, double sided tape, foam tape, glue dots, spray glue, silicone and PVA glue to name just a few. The type of adhesive to use depends largely on the two items being bonded.
Adhesive Machine
Adds an adhesive layer to thin die-cuts and embellishments without any sticky or messy adhesive marks. Turns your monograms and die-cuts into stickers in a flash.
Adhesive Remover
Product that removes stickers, double sided tape, and mounting tabs safely from your projects. It also removes sticky residues from scissors and punches. Choose a make that is acid-free and photo-safe.
Alcohol Ink
An alcohol based ink that is used to create different background patterns. Used with a blending solution and applied with a felt applicator or sponge. It can be combined with leafing pens in gold and silver to create a faux stone finish on smooth glossy surfaces. It is available in different colours.
Alkaline
A chemical used to neutralize acids as they form within paper. Paper that is high in alkaline is just as bad as paper high in acid.
Altered Book
Techniques such as collaging, stamping and embellishing are used to alter a found book like those hard cover books for children to reflect an artistic idea. Choose a theme for a single book or combine several themes. The pages of the book become the artist's canvas.
