Photographs are more than just images—they’re windows into the past. But without proper care, they can quickly deteriorate, fade, yellow, or even become brittle. Whether you’re preserving a family album, archiving historic prints, or organizing a professional collection, using the right materials and methods is key to keeping those memories safe for generations.
In the video guide below, we walk you through the basic steps of archivally preserving photographs using trusted products from TALAS.
1. Handle Photographs with Clean Hands or Gloves
Before you begin, wash your hands or wear nitrile or cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or contaminants onto the surface of your prints. Even a fingerprint can leave long-term damage.
2. Choose the Right Plastic Enclosures
Proper enclosures protect photographs from dust, pollutants, and physical abrasion—but not all plastics are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to the most archival-safe options:
Polyester (Mylar): Clear, rigid, chemically stable. Ideal for high-value or frequently handled prints.
Polypropylene: Flexible, smooth, and affordable with good clarity. Great for everyday storage.
Polyethylene: Softest and most forgiving. Best for bulk storage with limited handling.
TALAS offers a range of enclosure styles to meet your needs:
L-velopes: Open on two adjacent sides for easy access. Great for delicate or valuable prints.
Sleeves: Open on three sides. Useful for sorting or temporary storage.
Envelopes: Open on one side. Most secure and ideal for long-term boxed storage.
3. Avoid PVC and Adhesives
Avoid using any enclosures made of PVC or albums with self-adhesive (“magnetic”) pages. These materials off-gas and can permanently damage photographic emulsions.
4. Understand Buffered vs. Unbuffered Paper
When using paper enclosures or interleaving tissue, it’s essential to know whether your photographic materials are sensitive to buffering agents.
Buffered paper contains an alkaline reserve to neutralize acids—great for most documents and modern prints.
Unbuffered paper is safer for photographs like cyanotypes, albumen prints, and early color processes, which can react negatively with alkaline compounds.
5. Store in Archival Boxes
Once housed in enclosures, photos should be placed in acid-free, lignin-free boxes. TALAS offers boxes in various sizes designed specifically for photographs. Choose between buffered or unbuffered options depending on the types of prints you’re storing.
6. Control the Storage Environment
Store your photos in a cool, stable environment—ideally around 65°F (18°C) with 30–40% relative humidity. Avoid attics, basements, and anywhere subject to temperature or moisture fluctuations.
7. Labeling and Organizing Your Collection
Good labeling keeps your collection accessible and prevents unnecessary handling. Use soft graphite pencils on paper enclosures, or archival-safe pens on plastic. Avoid writing directly on photos—inks can bleed and damage the emulsion.
For organization:
Use foil-backed labels which will prevent bleeding.
Write on the labels using a pencil or micron pen.
8. Use Boxed Ring Binders for Accessible Storage
For collections you access regularly, the Heritage Boxed Ring Binder provides a perfect balance of protection and convenience. This binder is housed in a sturdy archival box, giving your prints an extra layer of defense while allowing for easy page-turning.
Pair it with Print File Storage Pages, available in a range of sizes and configurations. Made from archival-safe polypropylene, these sleeves let you store everything from 4"x6" snapshots to 8"x10" prints securely and visibly.
Preserving your photographic collection doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right materials and a bit of care, you can ensure your prints remain vibrant and accessible for decades to come. TALAS is here to support you with professional-grade archival supplies, whether you're safeguarding a single shoebox of family memories or a room full of historical photographs.
