Introduction
If you like to scrapbook you probably have all sorts of materials that you use. There are papers (of all shaped, sizes and patterns), tapes, stickers, embellishments, cutting tools, the list could go on and on. Many people enjoy scrapbooking their photos and journaling what that particular picture is about. But with so many memories that are stored in items such as cards or other mementos, it is hard to know what to do to incorporate all of your precious memories on a flat sheet of paper.
Instructions
How to salvage a scrapbook that got wet
Meta description: Fortunately there is something that you can do if the unthinkable happens and you experience a flood or an accidental spill and your scrapbook becomes wet. By following these instructions carefully, you can salvage your scrapbook.
Key words: scrapbook, pages, photos, wet, dry, clean, ventilated, room, salvage, save, paper, steps, hang
Tags: scrapbook, pages, photos, wet, dry, clean, ventilated, room, salvage, save, paper, steps, hang
Introduction
A scrapbook is a very valuable possession to many people, especially if it has been passed down from loved ones. It is very traumatic when the unfortunate happens and this precious book and its contents become damaged. Water damage can be particularly distressing especially if your now damaged documents are irreplaceable.
Instructions
Fortunately there is something that you can do if the unthinkable happens and you experience a flood or an accidental spill and your scrapbook becomes wet. By following these instructions carefully, you can salvage your scrapbook.
Steps to salvaging a scrapbook that got wet
When salvaging a scrapbook that got wet it is important to treat the photos and the scrapbook pages differently. Photo paper has properties that are very different from that of scrapbooking paper. There is some debate over the appropriateness of the following photo drying procedure with digital prints, so it is wise to follow these steps with a test digital photo to ensure that you will not cause more damage.
Drying out the photos.
1. Take apart your scrapbook album and space the pages out. Photos will stick together if they are allowed to dry while still touching.
2. Start to dry them immediately, the disintegration process begins after only a few days.
3. If the photos are completely covered in water, put them in clean plastic buckets of cold water. Add 1/4 cup of formaldehyde for every gallon of cold water. Try to keep the water temperature at 65 degrees or lower. Allow the photos to soak for only a moment.
4. As quickly as you can, remove the soaking photos and rinse them in cold running water for about 15 minutes.
5. Hang the photos to dry on the clothesline in a room that is well ventilated and clean.
Drying out the scrapbook pages.
6. Air dry the documents. Find a safe place in your house that is clean, dry and preferably colder than the rest of your home. If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on and place it in the room.
7. Interleave the pages of the scrapbook and put un-inked newsprint or some other type of blotter in between each page. Fiberglass screens will also work well put can become expensive as you will need one for every page in your scrapbook.
8. Change out the blotting paper and reposition the pages so that all side of every page are exposed and allowed to dry. Make sure that you maintain the order of the pages as you are moving them around
9. Make sure that your drying room remains well ventilated throughout this process. Direct fans away from the scrapbook pages rather than positioning them so that air is blowing on the pages.
10. To remove the curl from the dry prints, carefully slip them (individually) between 2 pieces of acid-free paper (or other appropriate substance) and flatten them out for a day or two under a heavy book.
Other tips
After drying out scrapbook pages, some people find that the pages have a mildew or musty smell to them. Usually a few minutes outside (not in direct sunlight) will help to eliminate this smell. It is also important to remember to maintain your scrapbook well; this includes storing them the right way. Scrapbooks should be stored in water tight containers. Silica gel helps to eliminate the effects of mold and mildew. Silica gel can be found in most craft stores. Simply put a packet (do not open the solution) in between the pages of the front and the back of the book before putting it into storage. Using archival paper is another way to lengthen the life of your scrapbook.