Conservation Day
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Today is Preservation Day, so we want to give you 5 tips on how to preserve old photos!
All materials degrade, one way or another. It's just a matter of time and the environment. You may be one of the many people who have old items or photos at home, things with high sentimental value that you want to save for the future. Various factors can negatively affect these items, and it's not always easy to know how best to treat fragile objects or photos. But don't despair, here are some tips on photo storage!
- Store the photos in a plastic box. It's easy for old photos to end up all over the place in a shoebox or similar. However, as older cardboard and boxes can contain acidic materials that accelerate degradation, it is better to use acid-free cardboard or plastic boxes for storage.
- Keep cool and moisture-free, but not too dry! Photos do best in a stable cold climate, below +20°C and with a humidity of 30-40%. Fridges get too humid! Fluctuations in humidity and temperature affect the surface layer of older photos. In too humid an environment, the surface becomes sticky and photos can stick together. In too dry an environment, the surface cracks. If the temperature changes between hot and cold, the sticky surface layer opens up and can let in dust and other particles, then when the temperature drops, the surface layer closes and the dust/particles are baked into the image.
- Protect the photo with a plain sheet of paper. A simple measure is to fold a plain sheet of paper in half and then let it act as a small binder/cover for each photo. This way the photos don't get stuck together, they are protected from dust and the paper also acts as a buffer against acidic materials in the environment. It also helps to keep better track of which photos you have.
- Do not place photos opposite a window. Where in the room are the photos placed? If there is light or even direct sunlight on the photos, you may need to reconsider. Photos fade easily, so placing a photo on the same wall as the window is a better option than the wall opposite.
- No fingerprints! Wear cotton or bamboo gloves when handling photos, and avoid touching the image. The skin on our hands contains natural fats, even if they are freshly washed. This can leave permanent fingerprints on the photo.
