If you want your fine art photographs to last for your lifetime and
your children’s lifetime, too, it’s important to think about
where you hang the art, as well as environmental conditions like sunlight,
humidity, soot and extreme temperatures.
HANDLING
When picking up a photograph, avoid getting fingerprints on it by holding
it by the edges or by putting your hands on the back. The natural acids
in your hands can break down the photo’s surface over time. Also
consider wearing white cotton gloves when working with photographs.
For more information on care, handling and storage of photographs, you
can check the Library
of Congress’ website
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS- SUNLIGHT
Consider environmental conditions when hanging photos and other artwork
on paper like watercolors, etc. Keep the photograph away from direct
sunlight. The more the photograph or work-on-paper is exposed to light,
the greater the damage will be. It accumulates over time and one day
you will suddenly notice that your image has faded, yellowed and become
brittle. For those of us of a certain age, If it’s a color photograph
from the '70's or '80's, it will end up looking like those old school
pictures that our parents framed in the living room that turned purple!
Ultraviolet light can cause the most damage, so use UV (ultraviolet)
shielding, nonglare glass or Plexiglas to prevent the image from fading
if it’s going to be in a sunny room. And by all means, keep the
shades down when you’re not using the room so the sun won’t
reflect onto the images. No amount of conservation matting and framing
will save your art from too much sun.
HUMIDITY
Keep your art away from rooms where there is a lot of humidity and moisture
to prevent mold from growing inside the frame. Humidity in bathrooms,
sunrooms and kitchens can cause extensive damage to photographs and
other artwork. If you must hang art in the bathroom make sure the surface
of the art does not touch the glass. Use a window mat to help prevent
moisture condensation getting on the paper and to create space between
the art and the glass so the paper can breathe. Make sure the frame
is sealed properly with backing paper so moisture doesn’t enter
and damage the art. If you live in a hot, humid climate, this is especially
important.
SOOT
Avoid putting art near open windows if you live near a freeway or in
a city where exhaust fumes and soot can accumulate on the surface.
EXTREME TEMPERATURES
Avoid putting art near open windows or any other area where there can
be extreme temperature fluctuations.
