How do I best store photographs to keep them from getting damaged?
Lara S asked:
I have a TON of pictures and don’t want to put them all into an album. What is the safeest way to store them? Will they get mest up if I just keep them in a box in my closet? Thanks in advance!
I have a TON of pictures and don’t want to put them all into an album. What is the safeest way to store them? Will they get mest up if I just keep them in a box in my closet? Thanks in advance!
1. Consider buying envelopes or containers that are advertised as acid-free, lignin-free or have a neutral PH. This will help prevent chemical reactions with the paper on which the photographs are printed. Those supplies are available locally or online.
2. Store prints, as well as negatives, in plastic sleeves that are sold with “archival” printed somewhere on the label. Take care of negatives and original transparencies, since those are the only way to make copies if the prints fade.
3. Take your photos out at least once a year. You’ll not only enjoy looking through them, but you can check for bugs, mildew and fading.
4. Store photographs where the humidity and temperature don’t vary much. Watch out for overhead water pipes, sprinkler systems, heating ducts and toilets on the floor above the storage area. Avoid stagnant air, especially in an area with high humidity. Don’t shove boxes against a wall, but leave at least one inch between the box and the wall.
store them in a plastic bag that is air tight.
A box is fine as long as you store it in a cool dry place. To ensure the corners aren’t damaged try to find boxes that are specifically design to hold photos. I believe target, Walmart and hobby lobby sells them … among other places.
PrintFile has an extensive selection of archival solutions…whether you want to preserve each print individually, or as a group inside an archival box. You can probably get photo boxes a lot cheaper at Michael’s with the 40-50% coupon in the Sunday paper.
Archival Boxes:
Print Preservers: