The Science of Photo Storage

Photo storage for long-term archival purposes is not an arcane mystery, but there is a definite science to it. At FrameDestination, archival photo storage is part of what we do. You’ll find a large selection of clear bags as well as acid-free photo storage boxes and reasonable prices when you shop for your photo storage needs at FrameDestination.com.

Why is Archival Photo Storage Important?

Perhaps you’ve heard some “experts” say that the advent of digital photography has made traditional methods obsolete. Nonetheless, it should be kept in mind that hard drives and other storage media – even the new “digital picture frames” - depend on a steady source of electricity, and will eventually fail in any event. Once they are transferred to photographic paper, digital images are not much different than traditional ones, and are subject to the same dangers from light, dust, moisture, temperature extremes and acidity. You definitely need the appropriate archival photo storage solutions in order to safeguard your prints.

What to Look for in Photo Storage Boxes

The best photo storage boxes are made from acid-free materials and are water-tight. At FrameDestination.com, our archival storage boxes are treated with special high-pH, alkaline buffering agents. These are designed to neutralize acids that may leech into your photo storage, causing chemical reactions with photographic dyes and resulting in discoloration and other damage.

Clear bags are also important. Each photo should be mounted on a piece of good-quality mat board and placed in individual clear bags before being carefully stacked in archival storage boxes. This will provide additional protection for your images against moisture and dust.

Where to Store Your Photos and Prints

In addition to moisture and acidity, the greatest threats to your prints are sunlight and extreme temperature. This is another reason for affixing your images to mat board using photo corners; it will allow your images to expand and contract as temperature changes. The ideal place for photo storage is a temperature and humidity controlled environment of course, but since this is not practical for most of us, a shelf in a ground or second-level storage closet is sufficient as long as other precautions have been taken. DO NOT store photos in the attic or basement, however!

Choose FrameDestination for Photo Storage and Picture Framing Supplies

FrameDestination.com is one of the foremost suppliers of photo storage and picture framing supplies on the Internet. The company has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine as well as the book Weekend Entrpreneur by Michelle Anton and Jen Basye. At FrameDestination, you’ll find a large selection of the most innovative products for professionals and amateurs alike. Whether it’s archival photo storage or picture framing materials, you’ll find what you need at FrameDestination.com.