Protect Those Pages!

There are a few universal supplies used by all scrapbook artists, and one of the most important ones are the page protectors of various styles and sizes we all depend on to keep our precious pages safe, clean, and dry.

As with all scrapbook supplies you want to look for a high quality product that is acid-free and archival in nature. My rule for both scrapbook albums and the page protectors held within them is to purchase the very best quality you can afford. It never pays off in the end to purchase poorly made page protectors.

There are numerous manufacturers that make very nice quality protectors. You want to look first for a style of page protector that is compatible with your album. Strap-hinge albums use a very different style of refill pages and protectors than post- or ring-bound albums. I usually find it best to use page protectors created by the same manufacturer as the album you're using. This ensures that the spacers, the metal rods, and hole placement are compatible. It also provides a clean look to have all of your page protectors the same weight and finish.

Finish - There are two popular finishes available to the average consumer: semi gloss and matte. The semi gloss has a tendency to be more affordable and is available in bulk in a standard 8.5" x 11" size at several retailers nationwide. Larger or smaller sizes, for example the popular sizes of 12" x 12", 6" x 6", or the trendy 11" x 8.5" inch size, are usually available only in a matte finish. The primary reason is that matte-finish protectors will show off the pages inside them to their best advantage. They cut down on glare, and help the glittery or metallic embellishments they protect to really stand out. When you have a choice I always recommend using a matte-finish protector. Some protectors may say that they are "optically clear"; this phrase usually is indicative of a high quality page protector.

Weight - Weight is another important factor when choosing page protectors. A nice quality page protector will be made of 4.5 mil Archival Polypropylene. Slightly thinner is okay, but much thinner than that and you are getting into economy-grade protectors that wrinkle and tear easily.

Size - Another important factor in your page protector decision should be size. Not all protectors are a true 12" x 12" size, and many just barely fit the layout - with very little extra room for bulky layouts. I like to make sure the protectors I purchase state ‘true 12" x 12"' in the description. I've been known to whip out a ruler and measure when in doubt!

Extras - One thing I always look for when buying page protectors are packages that include cardboard spacers, and aluminum post extenders. Many bargain protectors do not include these two items. Both are necessary to keep your album from becoming a bulky, V-shaped mess - especially if you are a scrapbook artist that loves lumpy embellishments like buttons, beads, and trims. The bulkier the layout the higher quality the page protectors should be. A nice thick page protector will keep your embellishments from scratching or denting the opposing pages.

If you are in the market for new page protectors I recommend trying the following brands: All My Memories, Making Memories, or K & Company. All three of these brands, and several others, are available from Scrapbook.com - our retail superstore!

My very favorite brand is the ColorBok Memory Craft protectors that fit their line of Perfect Scrapbooks. These are a true 12" x 12" page protector made for bulky pages. They have metal extenders, a soft, lovely finish, and the added bonus of three holes for added stability in your post-bound albums. I find them to be reasonably priced for such a high quality product. You can find these page protectors in our superstore in both 12" x 12" and 8" x 8" sizes.

After we've put so much time and love into creating the perfect scrapbook page it only makes sense to ensure its safekeeping in the best quality protector you can find. It's a personal decision, and you may want to try out several different styles or brands to find the one that fits your scrapping style and album choice best. Don't be afraid to ask your local scrapbook store to see a sample, and ask about their return policy if you aren't 100% satisfied with the product. After all, the page protector on your layout is all that stands between your wonderful work and the sticky fingers of your precious toddler!

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