archival adhesive

archival adhesive

Preserve your family photos forever

What a reverential feeling it is to look at our old family photos! Our old tattered photo albums keep the dearest photos of our closest and most beloved people. These pages of family history contained in a photo album represent a visual genealogical tale of different epochs, characters and life stories. So, it is quite natural to protect the photo memories of the family from the destructive influence of time.

But how should we keep photos?

The most favorable conditions for photo album storage are those without sharp fluctuation in temperature and moisture. The suitable temperature is the same as that for human beings – not very cold and not very hot, about 18-20 degrees Celsius. A hermetic case made of high quality plastic could become the best place and way of keeping photo albums. Cardboard cases with an inscription ‘for archive storage’ can also be suitable to keep albums but they are not so good at protecting from various external influences as the plastic ones. It is also essential to make sure that the material the case is made of does not contain PVC. The same refers to albums with transparent pages which can be put in. Pages with compartments made of PVC-material tend to be chemically unstable and can damage the photos. Decomposable chemical components can produce various colored spots. Moreover, it can often cause the photos to get glued to the compartments, which makes it impossible to remove the photo from the compartment.

One more type of photo album pages not recommended for use is that with adhesive pages, the so-called magnetic or magic ones. They are made of cardboard and thin transparent plastic with a latex strip. A photo covered with the transparent plastic is stuck to the page with the help of the latex strips, but the strips can leave yellow spots on the image. Some time later the sticky strip will become so hard that it will be impossible to get the photo from the page without damaging it.

When choosing a new photo album, you should pay special attention to the material the pages are made of. If your photo album is made of the above-mentioned materials or some others which might damage your photos, you should take immediate measures to save your pictures and put them into a safe album.

Unfortunately, the photos may already have been stuck to the pages too hard to be removed from the album without damaging. In this case, you can make photocopies of each photo on a plane scanner or you can have it done at the nearest photographer’s by a professional. Then the original album and the new one with the photocopies should be stored in special archive boxes (cases).

Never use rubber glue, aerosol glue or Scotch tape to stick photos to the page! MYLAR-D corners are the best solution to this problem.

On the other side of a photograph there might be a caption with useful information about the people in the photo, the date, the place and the photographer. You can copy the information for each photograph and use it in the new album under the right photo. Then you won’t have to take the photos out of the compartments just to read the text, everything will be before your eyes and you will look through the album in a more comfortable way.

When putting your photographs into another album, it is advisable to preserve the initial chronological order. This will help you get additional information when you look through the album, e.g. about the development of family relationships.

If a photo album is in good condition and you would like to preserve it as it is, you can use the method of encapsulation of pages. This method involves the process of putting each page between two pieces of polymer plastic, such as MYLAR-D or MELINEX 516. Encapsulation helps to protect photographs from wear, damage, dust and other unfavorable effects of the environment. This method is also good to preserve frail and torn photographs but it is not recommended for modern color photos.

Having family albums offers you unique, affordable, and easy solutions for preserving and sharing your memories of favorite times, special moments of your life and of previous generations for many years. If you do not have an opportunity or do not wish to do the repairs of your photo albums on your own, have a restorer - photo master or a bookbinder do it for you.

About the Author

My name's Victor Strelkovsky. I am a professional photographer. For more then 20 years I have been working in the sphere of photojournalism. Since childhood, after my father presented me with a Leica camera on my birthday, I had admiration for taking photos. This camera influenced the formation of my photographical views. Thanks to it, I became a true admirer of photographic art.
My site: http://www.photomaster.biz/

What is an archival, long lasting technique to mount photographs to aluminum?

Any suggestions regarding adhesives? What gauge aluminum do you recommend?

Unless you plan on buying some large and, relatively, expensive equipment it's best to leave this sort of thing to professionals. I was a framer for many years and have had many a customer who ruined their artworks trying to save money by doing things themselves.

However, if you really want to go the D.I.Y. route, I seem to recall that 3M was marketing a double-sided adhesive sheet that you, first, laid down on your substrate (in this case, the aluminum) then laid the artwork on top, smoothing it out with a silicon squeegee. Not sure how archival it was though. Everything has to be absolutely free of dust or it will leave bubbles and other surface imperfections in your finished piece.

Stix2 Acid Free PVA Glue Card Making Scrapbooking Hobby

Infinity Archival Paper Photo Corners gold $4.08 Now you can enjoy the ease of application and a traditional look with these handy 1/2 in. archival photo corners. The archival quality paper is acid-free and has a neutral pH water activated adhesive that is quick and easy to use. Box of 240 photo corners.

Infinity Archival Paper Photo Corners black $4.08 Now you can enjoy the ease of application and a traditional look with these handy 1/2 in. archival photo corners. The archival quality paper is acid-free and has a neutral pH water activated adhesive that is quick and easy to use. Box of 240 photo corners.

Infinity Archival Paper Photo Corners old white $4.08 Now you can enjoy the ease of application and a traditional look with these handy 1/2 in. archival photo corners. The archival quality paper is acid-free and has a neutral pH water activated adhesive that is quick and easy to use. Box of 240 photo corners.

Tombow MONO Adhesive Refill $2.99 0% 0.33" 1 Each 39 ft 62202 CKOK ACMI Refills fit Tombow Mono Adhesive ergonomic glue dispensers. Ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. Acid-free glue is ACMI Certified. Acid-free Adhesive Film MONO MONO Adhesive Refill Mounting No Tombow www.tombowusa.com

Infinity Archival Clear Photo Corners pack of 500 $6.29 Clear, self-adhesive mounting corners. Use to mount light to moderate weight prints, photographs, and documents without adhesives ever coming in contact with the artwork. Made of acid-free, archival safe, photo safe polypropylene. Strong, easy to use, self-adhesive backed. Non-yellowing. Crystal clear. 5/8 in.

Tombow MONO Adhesive With Dispenser $4.99 0% 0.33" 1 Each 39 ft 62201 CKOK ACMI Ergonomic applicator precisely applies film of glue quickly and cleanly. Applicator tip cleanly cuts adhesive and ensures a smooth application. Hinged cap protects tip of applicator. Refillable adhesive dispenser is ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. Acid-free glue is ACMI Certified. Acid-free Adhesive Film Included MONO MONO Adhesive With Dispenser Mounting No Tombow www.tombowusa.com

Archival Linen Canvas Boards 8 in. x 10 in. $6 Fredrix Linen Canvas Boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp, become brittle or rot over time. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface uses the finest 100% Belgian linen. Acrylic-titanium primed, these canvas boards are ideal for oils or acrylics. The Fredrix Archival Seal of Quality assures this product will stand the test of time.

Archival Linen Canvas Boards 11 in. x 14 in. $8.25 Fredrix Linen Canvas Boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp, become brittle or rot over time. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface uses the finest 100% Belgian linen. Acrylic-titanium primed, these canvas boards are ideal for oils or acrylics. The Fredrix Archival Seal of Quality assures this product will stand the test of time.

Archival Linen Canvas Boards 16 in. x 20 in. $14.13 Fredrix Linen Canvas Boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp, become brittle or rot over time. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface uses the finest 100% Belgian linen. Acrylic-titanium primed, these canvas boards are ideal for oils or acrylics. The Fredrix Archival Seal of Quality assures this product will stand the test of time.

Archival Canvas Board 12 in. x 16 in. each $6.63 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 8 in. x 10 in. each $4.13 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 18 in. x 24 in. each $10.88 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 11 in. x 14 in. each $5.63 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 16 in. x 20 in. each $8.75 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Methyl Cellulose Adhesive 1 1 2 oz. bottle $7.18 A neutral pH, water-reversible adhesive that dries clear. Use for repair, gluing end sheets, and general archival adhesive applications.

Infinity Archival Mylar Framers Corners pack of 240 $13.83 Use for mounting. Safe, easy-to-use, and won't harm your art. Infinity Archival Photo Corners are made from crystal clear pressure sensitive Mylar that won't yellow over time. They are acid free and contain none of the harmful plasticizers that plague most plastic corners. Safe acrylic adhesive. Each framers corner is 2 in. wide x 1 3/8 in. deep.

Self-Adhesive Photo Corners black $3.26 Easy to use self-adhesive photo corners. Peel corner from sheet and apply directly to album pages, or slip over corner of a photo and position on album page. Archival, museum quality. Size of corners 5/8 in. wide x 1/2 in. long. Pack of 252 individual corners.

Self-Adhesive Photo Corners gold $3.26 Easy to use self-adhesive photo corners. Peel corner from sheet and apply directly to album pages, or slip over corner of a photo and position on album page. Archival, museum quality. Size of corners 5/8 in. wide x 1/2 in. long. Pack of 252 individual corners.

Self-Adhesive Photo Corners white $3.26 Easy to use self-adhesive photo corners. Peel corner from sheet and apply directly to album pages, or slip over corner of a photo and position on album page. Archival, museum quality. Size of corners 5/8 in. wide x 1/2 in. long. Pack of 252 individual corners.

Mono Adhesive non-refillable adhesive applicator removable tape $3.65 Conveniently apply adhesive tape or dots without the mess of glue. Ergonomic dispenser precisely applies a film of glue smoothly, quickly, and cleanly. Mono Adhesive Dots applies a strip of unique permanent diamond dot adhesive.Available in permanent for strong bond and repositionable for self-sticking and removing. Repositionable bond with stronger adhesion, removes cleanly without leaving residue. Acid-free: ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. CK OK and Photographic Activity Test (PAT) ANSI IT9.16 approved.Non-refillable dispenser contains 1/3 in. x 335 in. of adhesive. Refillable dispenser and refills contain 1/3 in. x 472 in. of adhesive.

Mono Adhesive non-refillable adhesive applicator permanent tape $3.65 Conveniently apply adhesive tape or dots without the mess of glue. Ergonomic dispenser precisely applies a film of glue smoothly, quickly, and cleanly. Mono Adhesive Dots applies a strip of unique permanent diamond dot adhesive.Available in permanent for strong bond and repositionable for self-sticking and removing. Repositionable bond with stronger adhesion, removes cleanly without leaving residue. Acid-free: ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. CK OK and Photographic Activity Test (PAT) ANSI IT9.16 approved.Non-refillable dispenser contains 1/3 in. x 335 in. of adhesive. Refillable dispenser and refills contain 1/3 in. x 472 in. of adhesive.

Tombow Refill for Permanent Mono Adhesive Glue Dispenser (62202) - Genuine & New. $9.95 Refills fit Tombow Mono Adhesive ergonomic glue dispensers. Acid-free. Ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. Type: Permanent Adhesive Refill

Tombow MONO Adhesive Tape Dispenser $3.99 0% 0.33" 1 1 Each 1 Tape (Total) 1 Tape of 0.33" Width x 28 ft Length 1.40 lb 28 ft 62114 Photographic Activities Test (ANSI IT9.16) CK OK Conveniently apply adhesive without the mess of glue or tape. Ergonomic dispenser precisely applies a uniform adhesive film, quickly and cleanly. Ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. Acid-free glue is nonrefillable. Handheld Tape Dispenser MONO Adhesive Tape Dispenser Mono No Non-refillable Tombow www.tombowusa.com

Dotto Pink Permanent Adhesive Dispenser $11.79 Ideal for use with scrapbooking, office work, and craft projects, this package contains one Dotto Dispenser with permanent cartridge. This Dotto adhesive is acid free and archival quality with a convenient grip design makes 'S' curves easily.Brand: EK SuccessDotto Refillable Adhesive DispenserColor: PinkAcid free and archival qualityGreat for use with scrapbooking, office work, and craft projects The convenient grip makes 'S' curves easilyContains one (1) Dotto Dispenser with permanent cartridgeMaterials: PlasticDispenser dimensions: 4 inches high x 2.5 inches wideModel: E5501021Imported

Perfect Paper Adhesive gloss 4 oz. $6.61 Perfect Paper Adhesive is an archival, light-bodied acrylic adhesive that adheres to virtually any non-oily surface, including wood, paper glass and acrylic. Smooth, non-tacky consistency is water resistant and dries to a totally transparent finish. Bottles have an easy-pour twist cap.

Perfect Paper Adhesive matte 1 oz. $3.59 Perfect Paper Adhesive is an archival, light-bodied acrylic adhesive that adheres to virtually any non-oily surface, including wood, paper glass and acrylic. Smooth, non-tacky consistency is water resistant and dries to a totally transparent finish. Bottles have an easy-pour twist cap.

Perfect Paper Adhesive matte 8 oz. $10.39 Perfect Paper Adhesive is an archival, light-bodied acrylic adhesive that adheres to virtually any non-oily surface, including wood, paper glass and acrylic. Smooth, non-tacky consistency is water resistant and dries to a totally transparent finish. Bottles have an easy-pour twist cap.

Archival Canvas Board 12 in. x 16 in. carton of 12 $71.55 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 9 in. x 12 in. pad each $5 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 8 in. x 10 in. carton of 12 $44.55 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 9 in. x 12 in. carton of 12 $54 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 18 in. x 24 in. carton of 12 $117.45 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 11 in. x 14 in. carton of 12 $60.75 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Archival Canvas Board 16 in. x 20 in. carton of 12 $94.5 Medium texture artist canvas mounted on an acid-free hardboard core. These new professional grade canvas boards are constructed throughout with the highest quality, non-acidic archival materials. The tempered hardboard core will not warp or rot. Mounted with acid-free adhesive, the painting surface is the same Fredrix medium texture, 100 percent cotton duck used on their finest prestretched canvas. Grounded with a proprietary, two coat, acid-free formula of acrylic-titanium gesso primer, these canvas boards are truly archival. They are suitable for oil or acrylic painting. Attractively printed backing. Available in single boards or cases of 12 of the same size.

Tombow TOM62150 Adhesive Applicator Permanent Nonrefillable .25in.x197in. $18.11 Compact glue applicator precisely and quickly applies a messfree strip of permanent adhesive. Roller tip allows smooth and easy application. No messy liquid and no drying time. Smooth wrinklefree adhesive delivers a strong permanent bond. Acidfree photosafe glue is safe for use with archival materials. Ideal for use with memory albums and archival materials. Applicator features a protective tip cover that is removable. Nonrefillable.