How To… Create a Print Storage Area!
Private collectors and small institutions do not always have the option of adapting an entire area of their home or office for the proper storage of their prints. Many times individuals store their family photographs in a shoe box in the attic or basement. As you can imagine this is not the best place for them. The extreme conditions of temperature and humidity in these areas are hard to control and will only aid in the deterioration of the prints.
The first step in print storage is to designate a site to house the collection. Whether you have a few valuable prints or generations of family photographs, you want to make sure the storage area is a space where problems of environmental control can be kept to a minimum. In addition, steer clear of possible hazards such as overhead pipes, sprinklers, and fireplaces/woodstoves.
A room that is well insulated will be far more stable than attics or basements for the storage of your prints. The insulation will act as a barrier from exterior elements. If central air is not available in the room it is important to consider placing an independent unit in the room, especially in warm climates. It should be regularly monitored for not only temperature but humidity. Additional pointers for preparing a proper storage area are below.
- Do not place print boxes directly against the wall.
- Air conditioners should be placed to create air flow to all parts of the room.
- Materials such as fabric absorb moisture and should not be used in area.
- Protect prints from light.
- Store prints in print boxes.
- Limit outside windows or use dark shades to minimize sunlight.
- Use low-level incandescent or ultra-filtered fluorescent lights to view.
General maintenance of the storage area helps control the dust, insects, mold and environmental conditions – temperature, humidity, etc. Be sure to check the contents of the storage boxes periodically – at least every two years.
 New Product – Flat Storage Box!
Gray Archival Box Board with a full telescoping top on 22-1/2x28-1/2x2 size and a short top on 16-1/2x20-1/2x5'' deep box. All four corners of bottom tray are fastened with metal edges. > CLICK FOR MORE INFO.
Tip of the Month – Framing Made Easy!
When it comes to framing, it can be overwhelming to some. A few questions that come to mind are; What kind of frame should I use? Should I use a window mat? If so, what size should the window mat be? Once, I have the aluminum frame, how do I put it together?
 We have put together FRAME KITS in popular sizes that will provide you with all the materials you will need to frame your print. Our kits include the following components;
- Aluminum frame profile (111, 105 or 115) in silver or black finishes
- Framer assembly hardware and picture hanging wire
- UV filtering OP3 Acrylite glazing
- Pre-Cut (centered) window mat in 4 ply Bright White with hinged backing
- Photo corners for prints
- Acid-Free Foam-board, 1/8'' thick
*Also, remember to hang your artwork at eye-level of the average person in the room. If you are hanging the art in a room such as a dining room where people will be seated most of the time, the artwork should be placed lower.
> CLICK FOR FRAME ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Term of the Month – Archival!
A non-technical term that suggests that a material or product is permanent, durable, or chemically stable, and that it can therefore safely be used for preservation purposes. The term has neither a recognized standard definition nor a quantifiable method for verification.
Thank You!
Thank you to those who participated in our survey earlier this year. We truly appreciated the responses and feedback we received. We are looking forward to the opportunity to provide you with informative and helpful information in this issue of our newsletter and those to come.
The 2009 mailing of our catalogs went out in early May. If you would like to receive a copy, please let us know. ([email protected])
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