The best thing you can do for old photographs is digitize them: scan them, or let ABC Photo scan them, onto a CD or DVD that will last for generations.
But then, what do you do with the original photos? Many of us feel a little odd about just tossing out vintage family photos, even if we’ve preserved them digitally.
Here are five ways to preserve your original photos as long as possible:
1. Never store photos in the attic, basement or garage. Temperature and humidity fluctuations do a lot of damage.
2. Never store photos in ordinary cardboard or plastic boxes. Layer photos between sheets of acid-free paper in acid-free, archival-safe boxes.
3. Get rid of tape, staples, rubber bands, glue, paper clips and any non-archival paper like newsprint.
4. Label photos only on the back, using an archival pen.
5. If you plan to frame and display a photo, first make an extra copy. Photos exposed to light always fade.
Comments are closed.