How do I remove a photo from my scrapbook page layout?

by Debbie M.
(Chicago, IL, USA)

I already mounted a picture on my page, but I want to use a different one there instead. How do I remove a photo from my scrapbook page layout without tearing the page or ruining the picture?

Answer: Here are a few tips to remove a photo:

First try using some waxed dental floss by sliding it carefully back and forth in a sawing motion between the paper and your pictures. This is a great method for getting photos out of those older magnetic albums and other books that can damage your photos.

If that doesn't work you could try a product like Un-Du. Un-Du will remove most any adhesive attached to your photos, stickers, and other elements. The liquid dissolves the adhesive and then you carefully lift the photo from the page using the attached spatula. Move slowly and apply a little more Un-Du as needed for those tougher spots. Thinner items like stickers can tear easily when wet, so be sure to take your time.

Un-Du will quckly evaporate and will not damage your photos, but be sure not to use it around water-based stamped images because they will run.

Note: Un-Du will not work on rubber cement.

In the future you might like to use something like Hermafix Dotto Removable Adhesive to attach your photos. This is one of my favorite adhesives for scrapbooking because it is very forgiving. If I place my photo or other item in the wrong place, I can lift it up and just rub the dots off from the page and then reposition it. The bond eventually becomes stronger, but it still isn't as permanent as others.

Thank you for such a great question. And when you get that photo positioned just where you want it, be sure to visit our Scrapbook Layouts page and send us a copy. We'd love to see it!