Connect with us

General

How To Stop Photos From Fading

One of the tragedies of watching a photo fade is the way it sometimes seems to take the memory with it. There’s a reason we lug our cameras everywhere, invest hundreds in smartphones that can take high-quality pictures and proudly display our photographs of happier days: and that’s because photography is the most-effective way we’ve yet found of preserving our past. A photo is nothing more than a fragment of time, an impression of our lives – and seeing one fade away only reminds us how we’ll all one day return to dust.
So here is our quick guide on what you can do to keep time at bay and preserve those memories forever:


credit: ylvas

Avoid Light Exposure

Our sun is our greatest asset: it warms our planet, nurtures the conditions for life and provides us with essential vitamins like vitamin D. However, it’s also a force for destruction – spewing out ultra-violet emissions capable of corrupting our bodies and irradiating the ground; and its invisible rays destroy photographs too. The number one rule for preserving old pictures is to keep them out of sunlight.
If you want them on display, place them in the shaded corners of your room. If you absolutely must have them in sunlight, use UV-blocking frames. But above all, accept that a photo in direct light will fade quicker than any other.

Avoid Exposure to Moisture

Damp is nature’s way of showing whose boss: a few years’ neglect in wet conditions can reduce even the sturdiest house to rubble, so imagine what it must do to something as impermanent as a photograph. We’re not just talking about obvious places like basements and bathrooms either – all buildings in Northern Europe will have little droplets of moisture floating around, so it’s imperative you store your photos in a cool, dry place.
If you live in an old house or basement flat, be sure to periodically check on old photographs to make sure no sneaky leak or spore of mould have found their way onto them.

Use the Right Printer

One of the most-effective ways of fighting photo fading is to tackle the problem at the source. For years, the makers of photo printers were developing their technology with no thoughts toward longevity, but luckily that’s beginning to change. In the last couple of years, Epsom have led the way in producing long-lasting photos: with their Stylus Photo 2000P allegedly capable of fighting off the fading process by up to 100 years.
Obviously, we’ll have to wait a century to test the veracity of these claims, but early tests simulating the sort of wear you might expect suggest they’re on the right track. Be warned: this peace of mind comes at a price. Not only is the printer itself in the high-end of affordability, the paper and ink you need for printing are more expensive too.
Sadly, these price-increases are 100% necessary: it’s the combination of Epsom’s Pigment archive ink and specially-produced photo paper that gives the photos their chance to reach their hundredth birthday. Luckily their cheaper model can guarantee 26 worry-free years.

Display Correctly

Finally, when it comes to displaying your photos, make sure you use an aluminium frame and place an acid-free mat between the photo and frame proper. There are a couple of reasons for this: firstly, aluminium frames are perfect for countering humidity – which is exactly what you’re looking for. Secondly, the acid-free mat will stop your photographs from becoming stuck to the glass over time, saving a lot of hassle when it comes time for your great-great-grandkids to prise the frame off 100 years from now.
But don’t forget that none of these are fool-proof: eventually any photo will fade, and you’ll just have to accept it with grace and quiet dignity when the moment comes.

Featured images:

License: Creative Commons
image source
Arthur Beddow is a photography expert who writes for PrinterInks.com. When not taking photos, he continues his passion for the art by teaching others how to do it.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Autos2 days ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education3 days ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement4 days ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health2 weeks ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General2 weeks ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Education4 weeks ago

7 Tips to Choosing the Right University for You

Are you considering continuing your education at university? If so, it can be overwhelming to decide which school is right...

Finance1 month ago

3 Ways Loans from Credit Unions Are Different From Major Banks

If you’re in the loan market, you may wonder if a credit union is the right choice. Here are three...

Food1 month ago

The World of Coffee: Exploring the Aromas, Flavors, and Benefits of the World’s Most Popular Beverage

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s also one...

Education2 months ago

New Driver? 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Driving School

When it comes to choosing a driving school, there are many factors to consider. Not all driving schools are created...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Landscape Irrigation Systems: The Basics

If you’re a homeowner, you know that keeping your lawn and landscaping looking nice can be a lot of work....

Travel2 months ago

5 Things to Look for in Luxury Hotels

When it comes to luxury hotels, there is a lot to look out for. Here are five key things that...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Is There a Difference Between Commercial and Residential Concrete?

If you’re a contractor, you know that concrete is a versatile construction material. But did you know that there are...

Law2 months ago

5 Tips to Find the Right Litigation Firm

When it comes to selecting the right litigation firm for your legal needs, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. It’s...

Categories

Archives

Trending