How to Preserve Your Family Photos

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Photo preservation requires proper storage and safe handling practices.  Your family photos will last longer if they are stored in a stable environment, similar to that which we find comfortable for ourselves: 60-70 degrees F; 40-50% relative humidity with clean air and good circulation... 
High heat and moisture accelerate the chemical processes that result in embrittlement and discoloration to the photo.  Damp environments may also result in mold growth and/or be conducive to pests that might use the documents for food or nesting material.  Therefore, the central part of your home provides a safer storage environment than a hot attic or damp basement.

Light is also damaging to photographs, especially that which contains high proportions of ultra violet, i.e., fluorescent and natural day light.  The effects of light exposure are cumulative and irreversible; they promote chemical degradation in the paper and fade inks.  It is not recommended to permanently display valuable documents for this reason.  Color photocopies or photographs work well as surrogates.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographs consist of layers.  Modern photos have 3 layers:  the paper base, the binder layer, and the image layer.  All three layers must be maintained.

     * Handle your photographs and negatives by their edges and with clean hands

     * The best way to store photographs are flat in folders, pockets, or in albums. 

     * Film-based negatives, which can produce acidic gasses as they age, should be stored separately.

     *  If the paper layer gets wet, it will buckle. 

     *  If a photograph is placed in PVC plastic, it may adhere to the plastic

     * Consider scanning and printing the photographs that you most want to display or pass around.  Keep        the original in a PAT tested box or envelope. 

ALBUMS

Albums allow you to organize and label photos, keep them safe from light damage, and provide an easy way to view the photos.

     * Use PAT tested photo corners, or polyester mounting strips or sleeves or photo pocket pages.

     * Do not use acetate sleeves, self-adhesive album or scrapbook pages.  These all have chemicals that will harm your photos over time.

     *  Do not use tape (even archival), glue, or rubber cement.  They are irreversible and may seep into your photo or leave sticky residues, attracting dirt and causing photos to stick together.

DISPLAYS

Display a copy.  This will keep the original safe from light damage and water leaks.

     * If displaying the original, use a UV filtered glass and ensure it does not receive direct sunlight or fluorescent light

     * Rotate images to prevent fading.

     * Choose acid-free mat board and spacers.  Attach the photo to the mat board with photo corners or strips. 

     * Use acid-free spacer to keep the photo away from the glass so that it will not stick to it. If the glass ever gets wet, it will keep the water away from your artwork.

Restore, Share, Preserve!

Adam