Photo Adhesives

Sticking Tricks: How to Attach Photos to a Photo Album

Keeping your photos safe and well preserved should be your number one priority. It's important to know which methods of photo storage are safe for your photos... and which ones aren't. This guide is designed to show you the do's and don'ts of photo albums and adhesives.

If you've already read our article on How to Choose the Perfect Photo Album, then you know that the best method of photo storage is to use pocket pages or photo corners. Avoiding all types of adhesive or magnetic photo album pages is extremely important if you want your photos to last. But when it comes to attaching your photos to the pages of a blank album, if you're not careful you can do just as much damage as the worst of adhesive albums. Read on to learn the best methods for attaching photos to a page in your photo album or scrapbook.

Photo corners, photo corners, photo corners!

Acid-free, archival-quality photo corners are the single best way to attach photos to a page. This is because the only contact with the photo that occurs is the small part of the print which is tucked inside the paper corner- and there is no adhesive near the photo itself. Whenever possible, use photo corners to hold pictures in your album or scrapbook. Make sure they're applied the correct distance apart so that the photo lies smoothly on the page without bending or slipping out. This might take some practice, but it's worth the final result.

Photo adhesives
Once in a great while, photo corners just aren't possible. Maybe you have an oddly-shaped photo (like a circular one), or maybe the corners just don't work in the particular album you're using. If you absolutely must use adhesives on your photos, then please follow a few simple rules of thumb.

The main thing is to look for photo-safe adhesives. An art supply or photo store should sell a few different products that are designed especially for attaching photos to album pages. You can buy this product in liquid or stick form, and it can be somewhat pricey, but a little goes a very long way. There are various types of this product available, and some are designed for permanent adhesion while others allow the photo to be moved at a later date. If you're unsure, choose the type that can be removed later, as it is less likely to cause damage by tearing if the photo does need to be removed. Remember it's worth spending a little extra to get the proper adhesive.

Apply photo adhesives carefully, preferably on the corners or edges of the photo to minimize the possibility of discoloration or tearing in the important part of the frame. The photo adhesive should have directions on the label regarding its specific use.

Please don't use school glue, super glue, or any other type of adhesives on your photo album. Even non-toxic white glue contains additives which will cause yellowing and damage to your photos over time. Investing in the right product- and using it sparingly on the photo- will ensure that you won't regret the day you picked up the glue stick.

It's important to remember that no matter how photo safe an adhesive is, there's no substitute for not having to use one at all! So use photo corners and alternative methods of adhesion whenever possible. When an adhesive is necessary, choose the right one for your photos, and use it carefully.