Scrapbook Adhesive: What Not to Use

Scrapbooks are made to preserve memories so everything you use on your scrapbook layouts needs to be archival-safe; including scrapbook adhesive. If you use scrapbooking adhesive that is not safe for your photos, you have defeated the purpose of “preserving” your photographs and memories.

Here are some scrapbook adhesives you should not use on your scrapbook pages:

• Rubber cement is very harmful to your photographs. The toxic fumes say it all. The chemicals in this adhesive will ruin your photographs and your paper.
• Good old-fashioned white school glue from Elmer’s is another adhesive to stay away from. This glue will dry up and your photos will not stick, but it will leave a residue that can damage your papers and photographs.
• Regular glue sticks are not safe to use on scrapbook layouts either. They can leave papers stiff and ruin the appearance of your scrapbook pages.
• Masking tape and scotch tape are not photo-safe products. There are some brands of double stick tape that are marked photo-safe that you can use, if needed.

So what can scrapbook adhesives can you use? Tape runners are good choice; they are mess-free and refillable. Scrapbook photo corners work well to secure papers and photographs, plus they are removable. Other removable or temporary adhesive are good for those pictures you want to have access to in the future.

Anytime you purchase or use adhesive for scrapbooking projects look for the “photo-safe” guarantee so you can make scrapbook layouts that will last and look fabulous years from now.