Archive or Display?
If you are planning to simply store or archive your photos, paintings or prints (generically known as “artifacts”), you need to know that there’s much more to photo storage than simply dumping them into a cardboard box and putting it into closet, attic, basement or garage. You’ll want specially designed and constructed archival storage boxes. Such containers are made from high-quality acid-free materials and treated with an acid-resistant buffering agent with a high pH level in order to neutralize any acidic pollutants that might sneak in from the outside atmosphere.
In order to keep photos from warping or curling, it’s a good idea to mount them on a piece of acid free mount board as if it were going to be framed, then placed into clear bags similar to those used by collectors of vintage comic books, after which you’ll want to stack them neatly into archival storage boxes before storing these in a clean, dry environment that is ideally free from wide temperature variations.
Different Kinds of Mount Boards
Bainbridge mat board is generally considered the best quality photo mount board available. These are 4-ply mat and mount boards with cores that have been treated with alkaline buffering agent. If used for archival storage, you’ll want to choose a plainer kind, since the more decorative varieties suitable for framed works are more expensive.
Foamcore mount and mat board are easier to work with and less expensive. If other precautions are observed, these may be adequate for the purposes of archival photo storage.
A Quick Review
Whether framing for display or storing for archival purposes, the principles of effective photo storage are the same. Avoid:
- Humidity
- Acids
- Environmental Contaminants
- Ultraviolet Light Exposure
- Temperature Extremes
Keeping these issues in mind will ensure that your photo storage method will keep your artifacts in pristine condition for decades, a legacy to be enjoyed by future generations.