We live in a wonderful age of digital photographs that we can share instantly and easily. Yet, for many good reasons, we still have and will continue to have physical photographic prints. Whether made by older photographic processes or modern dye sublimation or inkjet techniques, these prints need proper care to last as long as they can.

Four Conditions That Shorten the Life of Prints

All prints are made from materials that are subject to deterioration that results from any combination of four conditions:

1. Strong Light–particularly direct sunlight with its high UV content.

2. High Heat–particularly humid heat

3. High Moisture–high vapor content of the surrounding air

4. Contamination–airborne dust and chemicals as well as the oils and dirt left by handling our prints No print is permanent, but minimizing a print’s exposure to these conditions when storing or displaying it can make a print last longer.

Storage Tips For Making Prints Last Longer

1. Correct this no-no now If your prints are stored in an attic, garage, basement, or rented storage facility, find another place to keep them. With rare exception, these are not suitable places for storing prints of any kind.  

2. Use acid-free photo albums to store your snap shots Photo albums generally provide adequate protection for prints you wish to view periodically, if stored out of strong light. Ultraviolet light degrades inks and papers. Acid-free cardboard and paper and a neutral plastic such as polyethylene for sleeves provide a safe, neutral environment for prints. Avoid any adhesives or sticky materials, such as found in magnetic albums, because these attract moisture and dirt.  

3. Use acid-free boxes to store your older or precious prints This is less convenient than using albums, but it is the best way to conserve your prints. Acid-free boxes and interleaving papers are available from many sources just for this purpose. Slip your prints into polyethylene sleeves to store your prints much as museums do.  

4. Store photo albums and boxes in a closet, den, or bedroom These spaces are good for keeping prints because temperatures remain relatively moderate and consistent. High heat increases the degradation of dyes used in prints causes older papers to break down and crumble. Cool, dim or dark storage places with low levels of humidity are best.  

5. Keep your prints away from moisture Most home living spaces are adequate because moisture content doesn’t change much or only changes slowly. The exceptions, of course, are the kitchen and bathroom and spaces otherwise affected by these humid areas of the house. High moisture allows mold to grow on paper and on any fingerprints or other organic soils left on a print surface in handling.  

6. Provide white glove treatment Use white cotton gloves, widely available and inexpensive, for handling all prints. Doing so keeps dirt and oils off of the surfaces of your prints. Damage from fingerprints occurs slowly over time and often isn’t visible for years.

Display Tips For Making Prints Last Longer

Whether as high art or refrigerator art, aim for the following conditions to display some of your prints. 1. Safe Access Put the snapshots or pictures you view frequently in acid-free photo albums with polyethylene sleeves to minimize handling wear and protect from dust.

2. Stay Out of the Sun Prints displayed on walls or tables should be framed behind glass, which provides some UV protection and cuts down on sudden changes in humidity, a common summer occurrence. Hang or set prints in places that do not receive direct sunlight. If you provide viewing light, keep it subdued except for times you want the prints appreciated.

3. Print Double For refrigerator art, make two prints: store one, and display the other without worrying about any damage or color change. When it has faded, recycle it, knowing you have a second version tucked away.

4. Play Round Robin Rotate your display prints to moderate the amount of light your prints receive. Since the effects of light are cumulative, periodically returning prints to storage reduces overall light exposure. It also freshens the look of your home. Photographic prints are important to have and enjoy. Taking care of them now assures you that they will continue to provide that joy for as long as possible. Constantly dealing with printer cartridges at work has allowed James Adams to learn all about the ins and outs of Canon ink and other printing gadgets, which he blogs about online.