8 tips to preserve old photos
We all have a stack photographs so precious that if anything happened to them we’d be devastated. From deterioration to damage, photos are fragile items that need a little bit of care. So don’t wait until it’s too late, take a look at our top tips to keeping your photos is good shape so they can be shared and enjoyed for years to come.
Handle carefully
Our hands contain dirt, dust and oils that can damage photos. When handling old photos, it is a good idea to wear cotton gloves. If that is not possible, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching any photos.
Store safely
Store your photos in a cool, dark and dry place. High temperatures and exposure to light will quickly fade photos. Fluctuating humidity will also cause prints to curl and crack. So remember to keep photos away from heated places like fireplaces and avoid water damage by storing them on high shelves.
Avoid tape or glue
Never use tape or glue to mend photos or hold them in albums. Both contain chemicals that can damage photos. If a photo tears, place it in a clear polyethylene envelope to prevent further tearing or use special photo-safe glue or tape. Also avoid paper clips and rubber bands. While these are quick storage techniques, they can very easily damage photos.
Stop writing
We are all guilty of writing on the back of photos to remember people, locations and dates, but most ink contains acids that will stain your picture over time. Instead use an acid-free photo marking pen or a pencil. Make sure you are not pushing too hard when writing.
Separate from newspapers
Newspapers have acid in the paper that can ruin photos. If you want to pair photos and newspaper clippings, photocopy the newspaper onto acid-free paper.
Digitise photos
Digitising your photos ensures you have a backup if anything happens to the physical copies. It’s also a great way of sending and sharing photos to family and friends. You can create digital copies by either scanning the photos yourself or pay a professional. Doing it yourself might be time consuming but is rewarding as you get to sort through all your old pictures.
High-quality albums
Avoid cheap photo albums and plastic storage boxes that aren’t specifically made for storing photos. Look for albums that hold photos on a polyethylene page or store photos in acid-free paper boxes.
Make copies
Do not display the original photos in frames as sunlight can cause the photo to fade. Instead make a copy to frame and store the original safely away.