The Importance of Choosing the Right Adhesive for Scrapbooking
I love this layout from Melinda, our guest scrapbooker, it’s so clean and crisp.
However, there’s something hidden on this page that I want to talk about….
Using the right adhesive is crucial to ensuring your photos and decorations remain intact and undamaged over time.
I want to show you why selecting the correct glue is essential, the significance of ISO certification, and how certain adhesives can degrade photos over time.
Why the Right Adhesive Matters
The sticky stuff you use on your scrapbooking pages plays a role in maintaining the quality and colour of your photos and embellishments. Here are some key reasons why the right adhesive matters:
Preservation of Photos: Acidic adhesives can cause photos to yellow and deteriorate. Acid-free and photo-safe adhesives ensure that your photos remain in their original condition for years.
Longevity of the Scrapbook: The right glue for the right job prevents your scrapbook pages from wrinkling, warping, or sticking together.
Aesthetic Quality: The appropriate adhesive helps in maintaining a clean and professional appearance, with no stains or residue.
ISO Certification and ISO 18932: A Mark of Quality
ISO certification is a globally recognized standard that ensures products meet specific quality, safety, and efficiency criteria. When selecting adhesives for scrapbooking, looking for ISO-certified products can offer several benefits:
Quality: ISO-certified adhesives are manufactured under strict quality control processes, ensuring uniformity in every batch.
Safety: These adhesives are tested for harmful chemicals, ensuring they are safe for use, especially in long-term preservation projects like scrapbooking.
Reliability: ISO certification signifies that the product has passed rigorous testing and complies with international standards, providing peace of mind to consumers.
ISO 18932 specifically pertains to imaging materials and the stability of adhesives for preservation. Adhesives that meet ISO 18932 standards are designed to be stable over long periods, ensuring that they will not degrade or damage photos and other materials they come into contact with.
How Adhesives Can Degrade Photos Over Time
Using the wrong type of adhesive can lead to the degradation of photos in several ways:
Chemical Reactions: Non-archival adhesives can contain acids and other chemicals that react with the photo paper, leading to discoloration and brittleness.
Moisture Damage: Some adhesives can absorb moisture from the air, causing photos to become damp, leading to mold growth and deterioration.
Adhesive Breakdown: Over time, certain adhesives can break down and lose their sticking power, causing photos and embellishments to come loose.
I'm going to come back to this subject next week, and share my thoughts on which glues you might consider for your pages.