Do you have lots of photographs of your childhood and your younger days? 

Or do you have rare photographs of your ancestors? And are you keeping them safely in a plastic cover? Do you know it harms the photos as the time passes? Do you think that conserving old photographs is an important step in preserving your precious memories for future generations? But you don’t know how to conserve them. Here are some tips to help you conserve your old photographs:

Handle with care: When handling old photographs, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Oils and moisture can damage the images. If possible, wear clean cotton gloves to protect the photographs from fingerprints and oils.

Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can fade and damage photographs. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry environment to minimize fading and deterioration. If you want to display them, use UV-filtered glass or acrylic frames to protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Control temperature and humidity: High humidity and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause photographs to deteriorate. Aim for a stable environment with a temperature around 68°F (20°C) and relative humidity between 30% and 40%.

Store in archival-quality materials: Choose archival-quality materials for storing and protecting your photographs. Acid-free photo sleeves, archival boxes, and acid-free tissue paper are good options. Avoid plastic materials that contain PVC, as they can emit harmful gases over time.

Separate and organize: Sort and separate your photographs by size, type, or chronology to make them easier to handle. Place them in acid-free envelopes or sleeves, and label them accordingly. This helps prevent scratching and allows for easy retrieval.



Digitize your photos: Consider scanning your old photographs to create digital copies. This allows you to access and share them easily, while minimizing handling of the originals. Use a scanner with a high resolution (300 dpi or higher) for good quality digital copies.

Back up digital copies: After digitizing your photographs, create backup copies and store them in multiple locations. Use external hard drives, cloud storage services, or other reliable backup solutions to ensure the longevity of your digital files.

Avoid damaging attachments: If your photographs have any attachments like notes, labels, or adhesive, be careful not to damage them. Consult a professional conservator for advice on how to safely remove or stabilize any attachments that may be causing damage.

Display with caution: If you want to display your old photographs, use acid-free mats and frames. Avoid using adhesives or tapes directly on the photographs, as they can cause damage. Frame them under UV-filtered glass or acrylic to protect them from light exposure.

Seek professional help: If your photographs are in poor condition or require specialized treatment, it's best to consult a professional conservator. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle delicate materials and perform necessary conservation treatments.

Remember, each photograph is unique, and the conservation needs may vary. It's essential to assess the condition of your photographs and adapt these guidelines accordingly.