Family photos are precious artifacts that capture moments and memories to be cherished for generations. However, these valuable items are vulnerable to various forms of damage over time. This article aims to educate on the best practices for framing and displaying family photos, ensuring their longevity and preservation.
Understanding Photo Degradation
Photos can degrade over time due to several factors. Light exposure, poor air quality, high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and chemical reactions can all contribute to the fading, discoloration, and deterioration of photographs.
Factors Contributing to Photo Degradation:
- Light: Prolonged exposure to light, especially UV rays, can cause photos to fade.
- Air Quality: Pollutants and contaminants in the air can interact with photo materials, leading to damage.
- Humidity and Temperature: High humidity can lead to mold growth, while fluctuating temperatures can cause physical stress to the photo paper.
- Chemical Exposure: Photos can deteriorate if they come into contact with acidic materials or other harmful chemicals.
Numerous historical photos have suffered significant damage due to improper storage and display. However, many have been successfully preserved through careful conservation practices, illustrating the importance of proper photo care.
Materials Used in Framing Photos
Choosing the right framing materials is crucial for photo preservation. Different frame materials offer varying levels of protection and durability.
Types of Frames:
- Wood: Classic and sturdy, but may contain acids that can damage photos over time unless sealed properly.
- Metal: Durable and often preferred for archival framing, as it does not emit harmful gases.
- Synthetic: Lightweight and versatile, but quality varies, so ensure it’s safe for archival use.
Glazing Options:
- UV-Filtering Glass: Blocks harmful UV rays, protecting photos from fading.
- Non-Glare Glass: Reduces reflections and improves visibility, but may offer less UV protection.
- Museum-Quality Glass: Provides the highest level of protection, combining UV filtering and non-glare properties.
Choosing the Right Matting
Matting serves both aesthetic and protective purposes. It prevents the photo from touching the glass, which can cause sticking and damage.
Types of Matting Materials:
- Paper: Affordable but often contains acids that can harm photos.
- Cotton: More expensive but naturally acid-free and safe for photos.
- Alpha-Cellulose: Processed to remove acids and lignin, making it safe for photo preservation.
Always choose acid-free and lignin-free matting to prevent yellowing and degradation.
To keep photographs away from glass, we encourage use of box frames at Happenstance Framing. This way you don’t need a matt (also called “window mount”) and can order a frame if the same size as your photo.
Best Practices in Framing
Conservation framing involves several steps to ensure the longevity of your photos.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Clean the Frame and Glass: Remove dust and debris.
- Cut the Matting: Ensure it fits the photo and frame perfectly.
You can also request that we include a matt with your frame when you order it. - Mount the Photo: Use photo corners or archival tape to secure the photo without adhesive touching it.
- Assemble the Frame: Place the matting and photo into the frame, ensuring it is secure and straight.
- Seal the Frame: Use archival-quality backing and seal the frame to protect against air and moisture.
Displaying Your Photos
Choosing the right location for displaying photos is essential to minimize damage.
Best Locations:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade photos.
- Stable Environment: Choose areas with stable temperature and humidity levels.
- Rotate Displays: Change the photos on display periodically to limit light exposure.
Digital Preservation
Creating digital backups is an excellent way to preserve your photos.
Recommendations:
- Scanning Resolution: At least 300 DPI for standard photos; higher for detailed images.
- File Formats: TIFF for long-term storage due to its lossless nature; JPEG for everyday use.
- Storage: Use multiple backups, including cloud storage and external hard drives.
Special Considerations for Antique and Heirloom Photos
Older photos require extra care due to their fragility.
Handling Guidelines:
- Minimal Handling: Handle with clean hands or gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt.
- Professional Conservation: Seek expert help for valuable or severely deteriorated photos.
Innovative Technologies in Photo Preservation
Advancements in materials and technology offer new ways to preserve photos.
Latest Advancements:
- Archival-Quality Materials: New products designed to prevent chemical interactions.
- Digital Restoration: Software and services that restore and enhance old photos.
Regular Maintenance and Care
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your framed photos can prevent long-term damage.
Maintenance Schedule:
- Inspection: Check for signs of damage or wear annually.
- Cleaning: Clean the frame and glass carefully with a soft cloth.
- Updating Materials: Replace matting and backing materials as needed.
Preserving family photos requires proactive measures and careful handling. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can protect these precious memories for future generations. Remember, proper framing and display are crucial steps in safeguarding your family’s photographic history.
Credit:
Featured Image by Roman Kraft on Unsplash