How to use and store your book

Photo albums are not like any old book - they need a little extra TLC.  Proper handling and storage of your albums will ensure they last for many years to come

Using Your Album

• The rule of thumb is that the thicker and heavier an album is - the easier it is to damage it.
• Always browse your album on a sturdy, flat surface which is cleared of any dirty or moisture.
• The area of an album which is most prone to damage is the end papers (the black or white card which attaches the book to the album cover) as they are under a high amount of stress. Although we do a great deal to reinforce these areas of the albums, if you are not careful and you allow this area of the book to become highly stressed, it is possible that they could break or become damaged.
• Never allow either side of the open album to fall below the horizontal flat line of the other side.
• Approach handing of your album or prints with care and with clean hands. Whilst our papers are very durable, excessive oils and moisture may mark or damage them.
• It is highly recommended that young children not be left to browse albums without adult supervision.
• Always remove the album from the box with the strap provided in the box. This will limit the likelihood that the album will become damaged during the removal process.

Album / Print Storage

• Albums & prints* should be stored flat and in a box. This is particularly important with larger/heavier albums.
• Avoid placing heavy objects directly atop your album as this may cause "denting" in the fabric of the cover. In most cases these dents will resolve themselves over time once the album has been moved to a more suitable storage situation. However, in severe cases, these dents can become permanent.
• The ideal humidity levels for storage are between 40 and 50%. Conditions which are too dry may make your album block bow whereas humid conditions may cause warping (waving) of the pages. Although these occurrences are completely natural, they are usually undesirable.
• Should your album block bow or warp, we recommend that you place your album in an area of your home or office which has better humidity conditions for 24 - 48 hours with a slight weight on top of the book (be careful of damaging the cover). This should cause the humidity to equalise and the book should return to normal.
• Attics, lofts, basements, cellars or non-environmentally controlled storage facilities are not appropriate locations for long term (more than 3 days) storage of your album.
• Albums and prints should be kept away from excessive temperatures and humidity.
• Albums and prints should be protected from excessive light exposure. Although our products are highly resistant to fading, placing a print or an album in direct sunlight for extended periods of time may cause them to fade. Similarly, pigments used in the cloth/leather dying process may fade over time if allowed to be exposed to harsh lighting conditions. Even with the best products in the world - harsh light can be a killer!
• We recommend that prints which are displayed in frames are framed and matted by a professional service so as to avoid a build up of moisture or potential contamination with acidic or alkali materials.

*prints - when not displayed.

Improper handling and storage of albums or prints may void your warranty.