Protecting Old Photos

Here are a few tips to protect your old photos and help them to live forever.

1. Prevent deterioration by storing your old photographs properly. Photos need to be kept in a cool and dry location and away from moisture, humidity, and temperature fluxuations. This is difficult with framed photos on display, but if you keep copies of the framed photos elsewhere you won't have to worry. In general, keep photos away from windows and exterior walls and never store them in the basement or the attic.

2. Protect old photos by keeping them in acid free albums away from dust and dirt. Be sure that you use photo-safe adhesives in any albums and scrapbooks to prevent chemical instability in the photographs.

3. Keep negatives separated in negative sleeves. You can tell if they have deteriorated if they feel sticky, waxy, or brittle. If this is the case with negatives, take them to a photo restoration specialist to have them repaired or copied.

4. Make plenty of copies and pass them around. There is safety in numbers, and by making multiple copies of old treasured photos and storing them in multiple locations, you can ensure their survival.

5. Go digital. The best way to protect old photos is to scan them into your computer and make plenty of backup disks. Store the disks in jewel cases and keep them with your valuables. Or, store the photos online and then you don't have to worry about losing them at all.