A Journaldream guide
Best Double Sided Tape for Scrapbooking: Acid Free, Permanent or Removable?
The best double sided tape for scrapbooking holds your layouts secure without warping pages or leaving residue behind.
The best double sided tape for scrapbooking is acid free, holds flat without lumps, and comes in the right form for your job: permanent for finished pages and photos, removable for layouts you are still arranging. Tape gives a clean, dry bond with no glue soaking through thin paper, which is why most scrapbookers keep a roll or roller on the desk. Below we cover what to check on the label, how to choose between types and widths, and how to apply and store it so it keeps working.
Why double sided tape works well for scrapbooking
Double sided tape bonds paper, card and photos without wet glue. That means no wrinkles from moisture, no drying time and no glue marks at the edges. Layouts stay flat, which matters when pages are stacked in an album. Liquid glue still has its place for heavy or uneven embellishments, but for photos, cardstock mats and paper layers, tape is usually quicker and cleaner.
Acid free vs standard tape: what you need to know
Acid free adhesives are made to avoid the chemical reactions that can yellow or weaken photos and paper over time. Standard office tapes are not made with that in mind. For anything you want to keep, look for acid free on the packaging or product listing, and photo safe if the tape will touch prints directly.
If a listing does not mention acid free, do not assume it is. For keepsake pages, choose a tape that states it clearly, or keep the tape on mats and cardstock rather than on the photo itself.
Permanent vs removable double sided tape
| Permanent tape | Removable tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Strong, meant to stay | Lighter, can be lifted |
| Repositioning | Little or none once pressed | Yes, within limits |
| Best for | Finished layouts, photos, cardstock | Planning a page, temporary displays |
| Risk | Can tear paper if pulled off | May let go on heavy items |
Many scrapbookers use removable tape or a light tack while they plan a spread, then fix everything with permanent tape once the layout is final. For heavier pieces, such as chunky embellishments or dimensional paper shell pieces, a permanent tape or foam dots hold better.
Best practices for applying double sided tape
- Work on a clean, dry surface. Dust and skin oil weaken the bond.
- Place tape near the edges and corners of photos and mats so they do not curl.
- Press firmly after placing, ideally with a bone folder or the side of a ruler.
- With a roller, pull in one smooth stroke and lift at the end to cut the tape cleanly.
- Do not overlap tape strips, which creates bumps that show through thin paper.
- Test a new tape on scrap paper first, especially on vellum, glossy prints or textured card.
Choosing the right size and width
Double sided tape comes in narrow widths, around 1/4 inch, up to wider rolls around 1 inch, and in rollers, strips and dots. Narrow tape hides well behind small pieces and thin borders. Wide tape covers large panels faster. Rollers give quick, even lines, while dots and pre-cut squares are easy to place precisely on small elements such as wax seal stickers or sticker cutouts.
Journaldream sells a double sided adhesive paper tape for scrapbooking. Check the listing for its width, length and whether it is acid free before you use it on photos.
Storage and shelf life tips
Keep tape in a cool, dry place away from direct sun and heat, which can dry out or soften the adhesive. Close the roller case or bag after use to keep dust off the tape edge. If an old roll feels dry, does not grab, or leaves stringy residue, test it on scrap paper before using it on a real layout. For more on adhesive types and how to use them, see the Double-Sided Adhesive Tapes guide from Scrapbooking Made Simple.
Building a scrapbooking and journaling kit
Tape is one part of a kit. Journaldream also sells vintage craft scissors for trimming, a date stamp for labeling pages, decorative crystal pet tape for borders, and sticker books such as the dreamcore sticker book, Letters From Afar sticker book and Rongrong stickers. For the pages themselves, there is a vintage journal notebook. To save on supplies, see the current Journaldream discount code.
Questions
Is double sided tape for scrapbooking acid free?
Not always. Check the label or product listing. For keepsake pages and photos, choose a tape that clearly states acid free and, ideally, photo safe.
Can I reposition photos after applying double sided tape?
Only with a removable or repositionable tape, and only within limits. Permanent tape grabs quickly once pressed and can tear paper if pulled off.
How long does scrapbooking adhesive tape last?
It depends on the adhesive and how the pages are stored. Acid free tape in an album kept away from heat and sun gives the best chance of a long lasting bond.
Should I use a tape roller or strips for scrapbooking?
A roller is faster for long, even lines on mats and cardstock. Strips and dots are easier to place precisely on small pieces.
What is the difference between removable and permanent double sided tape?
Removable tape can be lifted and moved, so it suits planning a layout. Permanent tape holds for good and suits finished pages and photos.
Products in this guide
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