Album Software Vs Preprinted Albums

I'm looking for a way to get back to collecting International without spending a small fortune on albums. I once owned the Scott International series but decided to sell it and focus on US only. Now I regret having done so, but find the Scott International series a bit too pricey. It seems there are several computer based systems that will let you design your own pages, but I have several questions about that. First, are any of them MAC compatible? Would anyone be willing to share their experience with me about what they have used to create their own pages? Where do you obtain acid free paper or any appropriate stock to print the pages? What kind of printer is appropriate for printing pages? Do existing inks or toners interact with the stamps you are trying to preserve? Thanks for any help.

What I have found works for me is a site called www.stampalbums.com It costs $30 a year to join but you can print out as much or a little as you need. You can get the paper you need at any of the office stores. just check the package for "acid free".
I like my pages to be stiff so I use 110lb card stock but that is personal prefrence. I haven't really researched what ink would be best.

Richard

Bill Steiner's website, mentioned in Richard's post, above, uses the PDF format, so it should be pretty universal. I recall a discussion of printing out the customized pages and taking them to Kinko's (a commercial copy center) to have the pages printed on blank Scott pages with borders, to match any of your existing pages. I couldn't find my bookmark for it, but its out there, and pretty easy to figure out, I'm sure.

You might consider paying a bit extra for a recognized brand of acid-free paper, just to be sure. I've read about "acid-free" labels being less than accurate. That strategy might also increase your chances of finding more to match, later.

Collin

Keep in mind that "acid free" is not the same as "archival." Archival paper is buffered against acid, not just acid free.

You can buy archival paper designed for stamp albums from this site: http://www.albumpro.com/page7.html

I don't use it because I'm not in the USA, but I've seen it recommended. The same site also offers an album page design software you might look at. Again I do not use it so can't comment on whether it's any good or not, but it looks promising from what I've read on the site. I've seen someone say it's good on another forum, but apparently doesn't currently work with Vista. I think it would only work on a Mac that had Windows software (other than Vista.)

I don't think there's been anything conclusive about the effects of toner or ink printed on pages effecting stamps. I'm currently looking at designing my own pages, but I'm planning on using mounts so the stamp will be housed in the mount and not in contact with the paper near any printing.

Balf

Mike

I buy my paper at staples and it is acid free/lignin free and archival.

It comes in different weights and textures.

Dianne

Mike,

By coincidence, I came across the follow blog posting http://stampcollectingroundup.blogs...ums-web.html
that you might want to take a look at. Both the posting and the references it makes might be of interest. Unfortunately, none of the software mentioned would work on a Mac except when running a virtual PC.

Larry

Like Diane, I use the Steiner pages at stampalbums.com and buy my paper from Staples. I find this has been the best method to suit my needs; I print the pages I need when I need them, thus I don't end up with a bunch of useless paper from country I simply don't collect!

I have used Steiner's pages also. For the money you can't find a better product or deal. You do have to be a little careful matching his pages with Scott numbers (his have no numbers so it takes a little work) on occasion, but then you have to be careful with Scott Albums as well.

I use 65# acid free paper. I like the parchment type page since I use black mounts and it just looks great to me.

I have been printing Steiner pages and am now revisiting my paper choice. I noticed a supplier on the web with pre-cut and printed Steiner pages which might be attractive pending review of the paper (which seems to be like Scott) or I think I can produce them cheaper using my local printer if I can find the right paper.

Any recommendations on paper? I have two paper distributors in town and my printer can cut to size and has a die for die-cutting the rectangular Specialty 2-post holes. I have been using Accent Opaque 80T white.

I am now wanting the following:

1. Archival - alkaline buffer per this article:
http://www.stampsrart.com/paper-phi...ilately.html

2. Color - I have been using white (good contrast with old stamps, good color reference, but too white with modern white background stamps and seems to look a bit too "home made"..imho). I am now trying to match the Scott Specialty color (looking at cream colors). I noticed some new Specialit pages are more yellow than others (at least I have a numbered set of pages that seems more yellow than all my others).

3. Weight - I have been using 80 pound text but wonder about 100 pound (less impact from mounts/hinges). I just don't want to get too think where the pages don't lay down in a 2-post Specialty binder...thick stock works better in 3-ring binders.

4. texture - I am trying to match the smoothness of the Scott paper assuming I don't want too much abraisiveness on the stamps (unless they are in mounts)

5. size - sheets my printer can cut to Specialty size. I like the larger Specialty shape and fit in green 2-post binders better than the more flexible and lower cost 8.5 x 11.


I have been printing on an HP LaserJet 9000.

I find the 2-post Scott Specialty binders are more affordable and common used compared to the 3-ring altough sometimes I find a good deal on used 3-ring Scott binders (for pages I started before die-cutting to 2-post). I have also purchased some G&K 3-ring green clones which I like but they are expensive. Plus, I seem to like the 2-post for easy page flipping and the Steiner pages have big margins since they are designed for 8.5x11.

Welcome Quanah

I use an archival paper Synergy Bond by Smart Paper. It has 25% coton wich makes it seem thicker than it actually is (24lb). I've printed pages for a few friends and they like it also. I prefer the "natural" to the white. It's has just enough of a buff tinge for my liking.

I purchased this paper at staples though they seem to be discontinuing it. I've been all over Fredericton and Moncton to get a good supply.

Hope this is helpful

Dianne

Thanks!

I called International Paper and was pleased to learn that my Accent Opaque 80T does have alkaline buffering and is good for archiving stamps. I still want to try a color other than white as you mentioned so I will check out the Synergy Bond.

Now I need more stamps! The albums have a lot of pages which dilutes what I thought was a nice little collection :) Take French AFrica prior to independence....it's now spread over 2 3" Scott Specialty binders.