Adhesives, care and storage
Acid-free: why it matters in scrapbooking
What acid-free / archival means, which supplies to prioritise and how to protect photos long term.
“Acid-free” is not empty marketing: acid in papers and adhesives yellows and weakens over the years. If you keep memories, choose supplies made to last.
Supplies
- Acid-free papers and cardstock
- Archival / photo-safe adhesives
- Sleeves or albums without PVC
Step by step
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Read the labels
Look for acid-free, lignin-free or archival. On photos, photo-safe.
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Prioritise what touches the photo
The paper under the photo and the adhesive matter more than a metal embellishment in the corner.
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Avoid PVC sleeves
PVC off-gasses and damages. Prefer polypropylene or polyester.
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Work with copies
Scan old originals and scrap the copy. The original stays safe.
Practical tips
- Store albums upright, away from humidity and direct sun.
- Cheap unlabelled products are not always “bad”, but do not use them on pieces you want to keep for decades.
FAQ
Is all scrapbooking material acid-free?
No. Most serious brands say so. If it does not say, assume it is not guaranteed.
Related products
A few products from the shop to practise what this tutorial covers:
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