Storage

It is no longer a question of when Digital Photography will be a factor in our lives, it is a reality. In just the last few years, incredible technological breakthroughs have turned digital novelties in to serious photographic equipment, and turned office printers in to photo-quality print making tools. Both are now cost-effective enough to allow most of us to at least dabble in it or even incorporate it in to our "educational toolbox."

This segment, originally part of our inkjet printing and paper Advisor Booklet, will help you understand the issues associated papers and storage. It will also give practical knowledge to enable you to make informed choices about what tools and materials you should acquire to make the most of your Digital Photography experience.

"Archival" is the hot term in digital printing today and refers to how long your photographic print will last in its original state without fading or browning. As a reference, many museums and galleries use a 125 year archival standard for silver-gelatin prints. But standard "C type", "R type" and color snapshot prints remain archivally stable for roughly 5-10 years (even when stored in the dark.) On the other hand, properly printed and stored inkjet photographs will remain archivally stable for upwards of 150 years.

Here are some additional reference points. Modern color papers like Fuji's "Crystal Archive" and Kodak's "Endura," are rated at from 65 years to 75 years. A selenium-toned print and platinum prints will easily see their bicentennial. A gold-toned has an even longer life and the longevity of carbon prints is nearly off the scale.

For your digital print to stand the test of time its two components, ink and paper, must both be of the highest archival quality.

Ultraviolet light is the single biggest cause of inkjet fade. In some instances, noticeable fading can occur in a few short months. Recent advances have extend ink stability, but minimizing sun exposure will help preserve the original beauty of your prints.

Other environmental components can also put your ink at risk. Ozone from some air conditioners, airborne particles from household cleaners (sprayed meters away,) and even your hands can be damaging. A good photo finishing spray is also a useful tool for extending your prints longevity, as it can protect your prints from enviromental hazards as well as UV rays. Make sure your spray is a non-yellowing type of spray, and that it offers UV protection.

Another way to preserve ink is to choose the right paper. A quality paper has a receiving layer that can protect ink from airborne contaminants, oils and lotions from hands, minor scuffs, and even light ultraviolet exposure. The paper must also be archivally stable or it may react with your ink or become brown. Archival quality paper is "acid-free." To qualify, the paper must be pH neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 7.0 to 8.5.)

Ultimately, proper storage is the best way to preserve your prints. Keep prints in archival (acid free) boxes, albums or frames and store them away from light, heat and moisture. You can display your prints, but mount them with museum- or conservation-quality mat and mount boards like those offered by Neilsen Bainbridge's Artcare line. Always use glass or plexiglass (UV coated if you can) in your frames and keep photos away from the sun's harmful rays by choosing a room and a wall that does not get direct sunlight. Again, use museum or conservation quality mat board and high quality frames.