Article: Old Albums: Sticky Problems

Q. I inherited several albums and scrapbooks filled with old family photos and snapshots of great sentimental value. They are arranged haphazardly and I wish to remount them in new albums.

Unfortunately, most of them have been stuck down with what appears to be liberal amounts of waterproof household glue, probably something like Elmer's. That's bad enough, but they are mounted back-to-back on both sides of many of the sheets!

Careful dabbing with water, alcohol and terpolene doesn't work, nor can I tease the photos apart with a hobby knife without damage.

Do you have any suggestions?

A. This is a tough one. I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago and tried the same things.

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