How to... Store 4 x 6 snapshots
The summer is full swing with weddings, family reunions and vacations. Photographs of family and friends are being captured and stored on digital cameras and smart phones. Although this storage method works for many, some people prefer printing and sharing their paper photos with others.
When deciding how to store 4 x 6 snapshots the first step is to choose between showcasing the photographs in an album (or binder) for accessible viewing or storing them in an archival box; organized by event, date, or people.
If you decide to go with an album or binder, you will need to determine which option works best for your snapshots as s well as the style of pages. Be sure the pages are compatible with your prints and layout design.
Box stroage is another great option. A popular solution is a 4 x 6 Storage Kit. There are several to choose from.
In addition to the kits, any archival box rather it is a metal edge, clam shell or other style will offer safe, quality storage for your photographs. Either method of storage you choose will provide protection for your snapshots for many generations to come.
Tip: Separating Photos Stuck Together
After years of use, it's almost inevitable that a photo album will go through some wear and tear. Unfortunately, as more time passes, it becomes increasingly likely that a precious photo could be harmed, possibly irreparably. One of the most damaging things that can happen is having wet photos dry and stick to each other. If you aren't careful, you run the risk of seriously hurting the photograph. Luckily, there are ways to separate these photos that will minimize potential damage.
- If a photograph is wet, avoid direct contact with your fingers. Do not touch the surface, but if you must, wear white gloves to keep the oils and acids in your fingers from doing further damage.
- Hold the photos high over boiling water, or in front of a hairdryer on its lowest setting, in order to soften them just enough to let you slide them apart.
- Stick the photos in your freezer. When they get cold enough, they become easier to separate. Allow the photographs to air-dry if you choose this method.
- Avoid drying the photos in direct sunlight. This runs the risk of even further damaging an already fragile picture.
- If any photos rip or tear as they separate, you can use filmoplast tape to mend some of the damage.
*Note that you should be very careful when working with heat or water. If the photos get wet, they may curl, and they will brown if they are too warm.
One way to prevent this problem from occurring is to invest in a desiccant canister to place inside the album or box in which your photos are stored. Storing them in a an acid-free box alone will not prevent moisture from coming into contact with your photographs. The desiccant canister will extract harmful moisture within small spaces, boxes and containers. They will protect up to three cubic feet of sealed space per canister. Simply include one of these canisters with your documents or artifacts and water vapor is contained within the desiccant canister to maintain a safe relative humidity.
If you find yourself in a particularly precarious position, consider contacting a conservator. The website, www.art-care.com is a great place to start. Chances are a professional will be able to tell you which photos are salvageable and which are better off left as they are.
(Brafton written article for www.archivalmethods.com 2/21/11)
Term: Adhesive
A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. It includes such materials as glue, mucilage, and paste. Archival adhesives have a neutral pH and are sulfur- free.
Questions & Answers:
Q: How do I mount small photographs in a 3-ring binder?
A: Mounting corners are the best solution for holding items in place on a page without damaging the works. They are made of archivally-safe polypropylene and the high-quality pressure sensitive adhesive does not come in contact with the document or photo being mounted.
Other materials such as synthetic glue, rubber cement, pressure-sensitive tapes and films, staples or hot glue guns should be avoided. These materials are typically low-quality, and will cause physical damage, such as yellowing, fading or tearing. Also, steer clear of self-stick or magnetic pages. They may be convenient but will damage your prints over time.
Print Pages and Page Protectors can house smaller photographs by using mounting corners to keep them in place. For the print pages, you would need to use acid-free paper inserts designed for the size of the pocket of the page. You would then place the mounting corners on each corner of the print and place on the paper insert. Once you have organized the prints on the paper insert you would slide it into the pocket. As for the page protectors, an acid free paper is included. You would follow the same steps as above and then place the paper with the photos back into the page protector.
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