Free Scrapbooking Tips
Are you practicing Smart Scrapbooking habits
SMART
SCRAPBOOKING!
Learn some of the ins and outs BEFORE you
buy out the craft store.
PRODUCT
ADVICE & FREE SCRAPBOOKING TIPS!
1.
Use Acid-Free Products.
In paper manufacturing, acid is used in the process to break
apart the wood fibers and lignin that holds them together. When
acid remains in the products used for scrapbooking, the acid
will react chemically to accelerate the deterioration of photos.
Acid free products have a pH factor of 7 to 8.5. A product must
be acid-free to be labeled "photo safe."
2.
Use Lignin-Free Products.
A tree contains lignin, which is a bonding material that holds
wood fibers together as the tree grows. When lignin remains
in a paper product such as newspaper, it will yellow and become
brittle over a period of time. In today's market, the majority
of paper that is manufactured is lignin-free, but be sure to
protect your precious photos by double checking!
3.
Buffer your acidic items.
If you have to use an acidic product, consider using a buffering
agent. As paper ages, acids can form within the paper fibers,
causing it to become brittle, to turn yellow or deteriorate.
To neutralize acid, a buffering agent such as carbonate or magnesium
bicarbonate can be added to paper giving the paper a pH of 8.5.
Buffered paper is generally considered longer lasting than unbuffered
paper. If an acidic letter is attached to an acid-free page,
buffered paper can also prevent acid migration by neutralizing
any acid transfer.
4.
pH Factor is important, and easy to understand.
The pH factor simply refers to the acidity of paper. The pH
scale runs from 0 to 14. Acid free products have a pH of 7 to
8.5. To determine the acidity in products, you can purchase
a pH tester pen.
5.
Sheet Protectors help to protect your photos and designed scrapbook
page.
A sheet protector is a plastic (polypropylene) acid-free top
loading or side loading sheet that slips over an album page.
Never use vinyl sheet protectors as they are not photo safe.
Sheet protectors add an additional user-friendly quality to
scrapbook viewers.
6.
Add a personal touch by journaling in your book and adding interesting
details.
Pictures speak a thousand words, and your journaling will only
add to the story! Be sure to use pens designed for scrapbooking
to ensure the product is photo-safe.
7.
Before you buy, check to see if it is labeled "Archival
Quality."
Materials, techniques and methods used in manufacturing of archival
quality items will make the scrapbook last for generations.
8.
A photo labeling pencil can prevent damage to photos.
Use this photo safe pencil for labeling on both the front and
back of your photographs. The pencil can also be used for tracing
around templates on photos. Pencil marks will wipe off with
a tissue or cotton ball. To be safe, test the pencil marks on
a corner of the photo to be sure that th marks will wipe off.
This is especially important when using old photos. A quality
photo labeling pencil may seem like an added expense, but well
worth the investment!
9.
Use a spray neutralizer when needed.
If you want to include ticket stubs, programs, etc., in your
scrapbook, use a spray neutralizer for deacidification of those
items. The spray coats the item and neutralizes acid levels.
10.
Look for "Photo Safe" on supplies.
Scrapbook supplies labeled Photo Safe are acid free and will
not destroy photographic image.
