Albums and Components
Are the Quick Kits photo-safe? The paper, ink, and albums comply with the ISO18902 standard for photo safety, just like every other scrapbook album in our product line. The embellishments may not meet these same requirements but they are tested for bleed resistance and permanence. We suggest strategically placing these embellishments to avoid direct contact with photographs. How do I clean my scrapbook album cover? Use a soft, slightly damp (not wet) lukewarm cloth and work from the outside of the stain using a gentle lifting motion. You may need to add a diluted mild soap for stubborn spots.
Why are Page Protectors so important? Photo-safe polypropylene Page Protectors slip over scrapbook pages and protect the pages and photographs from fingerprints, abrasion, accidental spills and environmental pollutants. Page Protectors also protect the facing page from acidic memorabilia. Page Protectors are recommended for all albums to reduce the chance of damage and to prevent air pollution from harming your prints.
How can I put on a Page Protector without it getting snagged on a photo or journaling box? Place your scrapbook page in a manila file folder and then slide the folder and page into the Page Protector. Once the page is inside the protector, pull just the folder out.
What do you call the pieces that hold the album strap at the front and back of each Creative Memories scrapbook album? The polypropylene coverholders hold the scrapbook pages in place and may be removed to add additional pages.
How should I store my scrapbooks? Scrapbook albums should be stored upright and are best stored where you live – in about 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) or less with relative humidity of 20 to 50 percent. Keep them away from light, excess humidity and temperature extremes, such as those that occur in an attic or basement. If you live in a high-humidity area, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier.
What happens to scrapbooks not stored at recommended temperatures and humidity levels? Scrapbook albums deteriorate more rapidly and become vulnerable to fungal growth if the relative humidity of the room in which they’re stored is above the recommended level of 50 percent. If the relative humidity is below 20 percent, albums and photographs may become brittle. Creative Memories does not recommend storing albums in attics or basements because the temperature and humidity levels are more likely to fall outside the recommended storage conditions.
How many pages can fit in my scrapbook album? The amount of material placed on each page determines the number of pages that can be inserted in an album. Overloading albums should be avoided. Creative Memories makes the following recommendations:
	Album	Maximum No. of pages	Maximum weight	Approximate No. of photos per double-sided page
	12 x 15	40	10 lbs.	8 - 10
	12 x 12 (Tapestry)	35	8 lbs.	6 - 8
	12 x 12	40	8 lbs.	6 - 8
	8 ½ x 11	40	6 lbs.	4 - 6
	8 x 8	24	4 lbs.	2 - 4
	10 x 12	30	7 lbs.	8 - 10
How many Side-Loading Sleeves can fit in my scrapbook album? The amount of material placed on each page determines the number of pages that can be inserted in an album. Overloading albums should be avoided. Creative Memories makes the following recommendations:
	Album	Maximum No. of pages	Maximum weight	Approximate No. of photos per double-sided page
	12 x 12	32	8 lbs.	6 - 8
	8 x 8	24	4 lbs.	2 - 4
Should I use a protective finish spray on the cover of my scrapbook album? The bookcloth manufacturer already has treated the album covers and does not recommend coating them with any type of protective spray.
Can I emboss or paint on the cover of my album? Yes. However, Creative Memories does not reimburse the customer for additional time or money spent on embossing or painting the album cover if it needs to be replaced due to a manufacturing defect. If the album is personalized with Creative Memories Persona™ imprinting service, Creative Memories will emboss the replacement album at no charge.
I have an older album page that looks yellow in comparison to a newer page. What happened? Over the years, Creative Memories has made numerous changes in its product collection. In 1993 the color of the paper used for album pages changed from ivory to brilliant white. Consequently, these pages appear yellow in comparison to the album pages we see in our albums today. Extended exposure to light can also cause a slight change in the page color due to the bleaching of optical brighteners that are added to the pages to give them brilliance.
Are Creative Memories scrapbook albums fire-resistant? Creative Memories albums are not designed to be fire-resistant, and don't offer any additional protection against fire damage. Use of Page Protectors, however, can reduce the effects of smoke and soot damage in some cases.
I am experiencing ink smearing on my natural pages. Why is that? Our natural pages should be completely dry within twenty seconds of writing.
Can the acids in my memorabilia soak through the Page Protectors onto the opposing page? Our Page Protectors cannot absorb acid. Therefore, acid cannot be transferred through the Page Protectors.
What happens if I stack my scrapbooks? Creative Memories does not recommend stacking scrapbook albums. Storing your albums vertically allows the weight of the album to be evenly distributed over the entire spine and binding system, thereby removing pressure from the album pages. Stacking albums horizontally can damage your albums by placing pressure on the album cover and pages. The added pressure on the pages may lead to abrasions on your photographs or memorabilia, and possible denting of the cover.
I need to evacuate for a hurricane or other natural disaster. How should I store my albums if I cannot bring them with me? For a short-term solution, place your albums and photographs in a sealed plastic bag, making sure to push out all of the air. Adding a package of silica gel to the bag will greatly reduce the risk of mold developing. The bag should then be sealed – either inside a second bag or within an airtight container. This is a short-term, emergency solution. Your albums and photographs should be removed once the threat has passed. See “A Consumer Guide for the Recovery of Water-Damaged Digital and Traditional Prints” under the Library section.