Preserving Your Scrapbook Albums

You can easily spend many, many hours creating your family heirloom scrapbooks. The last thing you want is for damage to occur in storage. How can you best take care of your precious scrapbooks? The first thing is to start right. If you're a seasoned scrapper, you may already know these things, and beginners definitely want to start out right. When creating your scrapbook, do not use any materials that contain acid. This means that all scrapbooking papers and pens should be made of acid-free materials. Most products specifically designed for scrapbooking will state this on the label. Papers should also be acid free as well as lignin free. Lignin is a woody fiber that binds paper together, but it can also lead to deterioration. Finally, look for materials that are PVC free. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it can damage photographs. Look for products that are made from polypropylene or are labeled PVC free. Again, most scrapbooking suppliers only stock materials that are PVC free. When your scrapbook is complete, look for an acid free storage container in which to store your album. Many craft suppliers carry these products, and they do not cost much. Use PVC free page protectors to protect the pages from viewers. You can also line acid-free paper in between the pages, which is not as protective as page protectors, but may be easier for certain pages that have three-dimensional aspects, such as certain embellishments or other memorabilia. Store your scrapbook in an upright position, as this will help keep the pages from warping and will prevent against pages pushing into one another and creating indents. Keep your scrapbook out of direct sunlight, as this can cause photos to fade. When not in use, return your scrapbook to its acid free storage box and keep in a safe, cool place. You and your family will enjoy the scrapbook for years to come.