PROPER DISPLAY AND PRESERVATION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

WE SUGGEST YOU PRINT THIS PAGE, AND REFER TO IT YOU WHEN YOU ARE ORDERING MATTS AND FRAMING OR PURCHASING SCRAP BOOKING MATERIALS.

We offer our prints on premium luster finish photo paper unless high gloss is the only paper available in a specific size. There are a number reasons we prefer luster: (1) the archival life of premium luster papers is longer than glossy papers; (2) the paper is thicker; and (3) luster is finger print resistant. Additionally luster papers produce vivid, life like images with accurate colors that display as well or better over time than glossy papers.

Whether photos are to be displayed or stored, it is critical that albums, framing materials or storage media be of archival quality. Most art supply stores have albums and storage media that utilize archival materials, which will assist in preserving prints for the long term. Using non-archival materials is a guarantee of early deterioration.

When framing a photo, there must always be a sealed air space between the photograph and the glass, otherwise the normal swelling of the gelatin layer will etch it to the glass. Be sure that frames used are made of aluminum, stainless, or archival plastics. These products have become common. Some woods contain natural chemicals that can harm photographs over time. A desiccant (such as silica-gel) can be used to bring the humidity of a print down prior to framing it, but desiccants are not recommended for archival storage or with archival display, as they can actually increase dust and damage. Be sure that archival matt materials are used in the framing process. Acid is used in the manufacture of non-archival matt material. The residue is harmful to photos and fine art prints. Glue, which should not come in contact with the photograph, must be of archival quality as should any paper sealing the back of the framed photo. Finally the glass should have a UV coating to protect the photo from Ultra Violet rays.
Non-glare glass is highly recommended.

Photos should never be displayed in direct sun light. Placement should always avoid bright light, and widow blinds or drapes should be closed at times of day that would result in excessively bright or direct sun lighted conditions.

Professional framing shops will be able to provide archival framing services or archival supplies. Remember you pay for what you get. It is not unusual to pay more for quality archival framing than you paid for the print, but if you want the print to last it is in your best interest to have the framing done properly up front.

SmugMug, our printing partner, uses the finest archival photographic printers and media. The process and materials are rated for 100 years. Archival materials and proper display or storage is key to these ratings. While archival media and methods are employed, the specific life of photographic prints cannot be guaranteed because we have no control over the display or storage materials and methods used by clients.