After you’ve played around with different adhesives, it’s time to focus on the importance of choosing the right one and what to watch for.
Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for Adhesives:
- Do use adhesives that are photo-safe and acid-free.
- Don’t use your child’s glue stick. Be sure to check any type of adhesive for the words acid-free. In fact, glue sticks are not the best scrapbook adhesive. While perhaps they are very inexpensive, and some are even acid-free, however the glue often dries and becomes brittle. I’ve had several items come off layouts that I’ve used glue sticks on. So avoid them whenever possible.
- Do try out different types of adhesives. Find the adhesives that works best for you and your layouts.
- Do try out several tape runners/glue runners before settling on any one. They are the most efficient adhesive method, most being refillable. There are many different types and you will need to find the one that works for you.
- Don’t ever use rubber cement on your layouts. Yes, there are some that are labled acid-free, but they are the messiest choice, typically cannot be removed without a great deal of tearing and are just not a very good choice in general.
- Don’t use permanent adhesive on a favorite photo, or one that you do not have a duplicate or negative for. Permanent adhesives are exactly that – permanent. You do not want to lose your precious photo because you adhered it into your book. Use photo corners for heritage photos.
- Do purchase refills to always have on hand. If you choose to use a tape runner or adhesive sheets or rolls, be sure to purchase several refills so you never run out. Most tape runners are refillable, so check to see if yours is. No need to spend extra money on a whole new runner if you can just buy the refills.
Just remember for preservation purposes, choosing the right adhesive is important. Watch for photo-safe, acid free products. And for best results, purchase your adhesives from an online or local scrapbook store.