"Unveiling the drawbacks of Magnetic Albums"
- Kelli Gray
- Nov 11, 2024
- 2 min read

Sticky Albums, Magnetic Albums, and Photo deterioration
Magnetic photo albums, famous for their convenience, can damage your print photos over time. These albums use sticky, adhesive-backed pages covered with plastic, which may seem like a secure way to store pictures, but the damage is cumulative over time. However, if you're serious about preserving your memories, these albums should not be used.
Here are three reasons why removing your photos from magnetic albums is best – along with helpful tips for safe removal. Use powder-free Nitrile gloves while working with your old photos.
1. Acidic Adhesives Damage Photos
Magnetic albums often use acidic adhesives that can cause photos to turn yellow, fade, and even stick permanently to the page. The acid in the adhesive and plastic cover reacts with the photo paper, speeding up the breakdown of colors and sharpness.
Tip for Safe Removal: Use dental floss to gently slide under the photo, loosening it from the page without ripping. Move slowly to avoid bending or tearing edges.
2. Plastic Covers Cause Chemical Reactions
The clear plastic cover in magnetic albums may seem like an extra layer of protection, but it traps harmful chemicals and moisture. This combination can create a chemical reaction with the photo paper, causing it to discolor or deteriorate. Photos left in these albums might develop stains, lose contrast, or become cloudy and brittle.
Tip for Safe Removal: Use a hairdryer in a low heat setting for a few seconds to soften the adhesive. Then, carefully peel the photo off while applying gentle pressure to avoid damage.
3. Difficulty in Removing Photos Without Damage
Over time, magnetic album adhesives become stronger, making it difficult to remove photos without tearing or bending them. If you've ever tried to peel a photo from one of these pages and ended up with a ripped corner or a sticky residue, you know the risks. Removing photos from old magnetic albums requires a careful touch and, in some cases, professional tools to avoid damaging them.
Tip for Safe Removal: Be patient while removing your photos- sometimes photo removal can be time-consuming
Protect Your Memories with Our Life Images
If your photos are stored in magnetic albums, now is the time to remove them. Our Life Images can help you safely remove, restore, and preserve your precious memories. For albums with photos that are too fragile to remove, we can professionally scan entire pages to capture these images without risking further damage. Contact us at ourlifeimages.com to learn how we can assist you in digitizing and organizing your photos, ensuring they're kept in perfect condition for future generations.
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