| Having been a craft enthusiast for a number of years I | | | | not have to worry about the pages becoming |
| have picked up many tips and tricks in the pursuit of | | | | damaged. |
| creating beautiful scrapbook page layouts. The first | | | | Although most recognised brands will always have |
| and most important tip is to always use acid-free | | | | page protectors that are acid free, the problem |
| products when realising your scrapbook ideas. | | | | normally arises when you decide to purchase additional |
| Having Acid in the paper materials you use for your | | | | page protectors to add to the scrapbook. This is in |
| scrapbook page layouts will speed up deterioration of | | | | particular a time when you should double check to see |
| the photos. Therefore always check that any products | | | | if there is any acid content and if it ends up costing |
| are clearly labelled 'Acid-free' otherwise they will not | | | | you a little more it will be well worth it in the long run. |
| be photo safe. Acid is used in the majority of paper | | | | If you are adding ticket stubs, programmes or any |
| resources. Over time it causes a reaction that breaks | | | | special memento that you know contains acid but |
| apart the wood and lignin fibres that hold paper | | | | simply must be included in your scrapbook, you can |
| together. | | | | purchase a spray neutralizer which coats the item and |
| Similarly, using lignin free products will also keep your | | | | neutralizes the acid level limiting the risk of discoloration |
| scrapbook page layout in pristine condition. Lignin is a | | | | or your scrapbook page layouts deteriorating. |
| natural bonding material that trees contain. Over time | | | | If you are unsure if products you are using for your |
| paper that contains lignin will discolour and turn yellow | | | | scrapbook page layouts are acid-free you can invest |
| and may be also become brittle. | | | | in a special pen that will be able to tell you if the |
| Although most paper products manufactured today | | | | product is acid free. Again this is worth the extra cost |
| are lignin free it is well worth double checking to ensure | | | | of buying the pen as there is nothing worse than |
| your scrapbook page layouts remain as beautiful and | | | | spending hours creating stunning scrapbook pages that |
| vibrant as the day they were made. | | | | will eventually discolour and deteriorate over time. |
| When buying a scrapbook to use for your scrapbook | | | | These special acid test pens are available at a large |
| page layouts always ensure the sheet protectors are | | | | range of craft stores and will test the PH levels of any |
| acid free. Sheet protectors are plastic sleeves where | | | | product you want to add to your pages. |
| you can place your scrapbook pages into. These are | | | | Once purchased you will have the peace of mind that |
| usually top or side loading and once inside your will be | | | | any items you add to your scrapbook pages are acid |
| able to see your scrapbook ideas come to life and will | | | | free and will not damage your photos. |