How to Remove Paper Items Glued in a Scrapbook

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Things You'll Need

  • Hair dryer or heat gun

  • Credit card

  • Small scissors

  • Acetone or glue solvent

  • Cotton swabs

Preserve scrapbook memorbilia by carefully removing dried glue.

Scrap bookers use cutout pictures, stickers with messages and acid-free paper to archive important moments in their lives. Occasionally, the cutouts that contribute to the decoration of an album page may not look right or the theme that was originally planned changes. Lifting the decorations off the page requires some dexterous finesse on behalf of the crafter. With the right tools and some patience, most paper items glued to a scrapbook page can be lifted off.

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Step 1

Examine the paper and glue quality. Glue that adheres to strong quality paper will be easier to remove. Old or antique paper may need special handling. Remove paper items from semi-wet glue by peeling them away from the surface. Wipe excess glue off with a sponge. Let the paper item dry face down before re-adhering. The paper will curl as it dries.

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Step 2

Heat the glue. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm up the attached paper items in the scrapbook. Keep settings on low to avoid burning the paper. Heat can soften the glue, making it easier to remove.

Step 3

Use scissors or a credit card to remove glue. Delicately slide the credit card or scissors between the layers of paper. Pull the paper item up slowly away from the glued surface. Take care not to rip paper from the scrapbook. Re-heat the surface area to make the glue more malleable.

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Step 4

Apply a solvent or acetone with a cotton swab to break down the glue. Dab at the glue with the solvent carefully. If the paper structure attached to the glue gets too damp, allow to dry before trying again.

Warning

Take caution when working with sharp implements.

Work in a well-ventilated area when using chemicals.

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