We build our wedding albums to last a lifetime, but there are some simple tips and tricks you can master to make sure that it stands the test of time.
Tip 1
The leather or vinyl album covers can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If greasy marks remain then a damp soapy cloth can be used.
Tip 2
The album fly-leafs may gather marks such as make-up. A very slightly damp cloth of similar color to the card of the fly leaves may be used sparingly to dislodge marks.
Tip 3
The wedding album photographic print surfaces can be cleaned with a micro fiber cloth like used to clean reading glasses. Ensure that the cloth is clean – both grit free and also oil and solvent free. Do not over work it or press heavily.
Tip 4
Stubborn problems may be tacked with an oil but never water as water will dissolve the print. Turpentine, methylated spirits and eucalyptus oil are some of the more popular accessible cleaning agents used in photographic labs. Turpentine is the best of this bunch being the least aggressive. The others can damage the print in 30 seconds or so and should only be used as a last resort.
Tip 5
So there are no dramas, test any cleaning techniques. Test cleaning with the micro fibre cloth on a spare small print before using on a the album surfaces.
Tip 6
Do not open the album more than flat. Support the covers so that it does not over open. Do not hold the album by one cover or by the a page only. Support it on a surface or hold it by each cover.
Tip 7
If a drop of coffee/tea/water/beer/champagne…… gets on the album – DO NOT wipe with a cloth. Press with a slightly damp sponge – it should not have any fibers to embed in the photographic papers emulsion. Allow to dry naturally while covered stop dust landing on it. But do not close until it is dry.
Tip 8
Store in a dry place or else the pages will warp. After a spell of damp weather the album pages way warp slightly – this is a complaint we hear often – but they will straighten again after a couple of days in a dry environment – such as a warm lounge room.
Tip 9
It is best when removing the album from its box to lift it via the ribbon or cloth wrap rather than by a single cover. This is especially important with larger albums.
Tip 10
When showing off your Serendipity album please finish coffee and chocolate cake before moving into another room to view the album.
