Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.
When it comes to safeguarding your valuable photographs, the proper archival solutions – including good quality photo storage boxes – are important. Good quality archival storage boxes will insure that your photographs remain in good condition for years. Archival photo storage solutions also include the use of clear bags, which will protect your photos from moisture and other environmental hazards while allowing you to see the photo itself. But what should you look for in a proper photo storage box?
Obviously, you cannot simply place loose photographs into just any cardboard box , stash it in a closet or attic then expect it to remain in good condition. A good quality photo storage box, like proper picture frames, are designed to preserve photographs from what people like to call the “ravages of time” – but are actually a combination of factors, including environmental pollutants and contaminants, humidity, and temperature fluctuations as well as acidity that can cause the kinds of chemical reactions with photographic dyes that lead to staining and discoloration.
The material used for archival storage boxes is typically treated with an alkaline substance that is designed to neutralize any acidic substances that may come in contact with the surface of the photo. This substance, known as a buffering agent, is impregnated into the material of the box itself.
What goes for a photo storage box also apples to picture frames, incidentally. Framing is simply another form of archival photo storage, and the same concerns about moisture and acidity are the same, with one addition – ultraviolet light.
It seems ironic that the same light that allows photographs to be created in the first place can be responsible for the destruction of those same photographs – but it’s true. The sun’s ultra-violet rays can cause photos to fade and/or turn yellow. Everything that you will look for in good quality archival storage boxes for your photos are things that you will want in your framing and matting supplies. These too should be treated with high-pH buffering agents that protect the surface of the photo from acid damage.
In fact, any photos that you put into archival storage should be affixed to alkaline mount board before being placed into the proper clear bags in order to prevent them from curling up over time.
A good quality photo storage box is the best investment you can make in protecting your valuable artifacts from environmental damage. It’s important not to skimp on this detail; make absolutely certain that you purchase the best archival storage boxes you can afford, and you’ll rest easier, knowing they are safe and will be ready for framing when the day comes.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Commercial Artists Benefit From Keeping Several Picture Framing Supplies On Hand
- Picture Frame Supplies For The Fine Art Photographer
- A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
- What to Look for in a Photo Storage Box
- Finding Acid Free Storage Boxes
- Archival Storage Boxes Protect Your Work
- Beach Themed Wedding - My Dream Marriage
- Film memorabilia




Blurry Photos
By: MiNeeds | 14/11/2009Though this may seem obvious to photographers, I've noticed through friends' hand holding technique that this is one of the most common problems people have when they look at the pictures on the computer. Whether you are using an expensive DSLR or a compact point and shoot, the easiest way to improve photos is perfecting your handholding technique (a tripod is better but obviously bulkier)
Resin Coated vs Fibre Based Photo Paper
By: Ben Holloway | 13/11/2009When it comes to black and white inkjet photo paper, there are two contenders and each has its plus points. These are resin coated photo paper and fibre based photo paper.
Resin Coated Photo Paper
By: Ben Holloway | 13/11/2009The majority of all photographs produced today are produced on resin coated photo paper which can be finished and dried within twenty to thirty minutes, have improved dimensional stability, and do not curl upon drying.
Fibre Based Photo Paper
By: Ben Holloway | 13/11/2009Purchasing fibre based photo paper isn’t quite as simple as looking for fibre based photo paper and buying it. There are numerous types of fibre based photo paper, each with its own properties that determine different end results.
DALSA Announces New "High-Sensitivity" Additions to Its Falcon line of Cameras for Machine Vision
By: Market Wire | 10/11/2009New Models Ideal for Electronics Inspection, Semiconductor Inspection, and Industrial Metrology
What To Ask Your Wedding Photographer
By: MiNeeds | 09/11/2009Before you can hire a wedding photographer, you need to know if their style of taking pictures works with what you envision for your wedding. Here are some important questions to ask any wedding photographer:
Engagement Photos... Ahh!
By: MiNeeds | 09/11/2009I find that many of the couples that I meet with for their wedding photography are not particularly excited about having an engagement photo session. Typically, one person is really nervous about having their photo taken.
Creating a Website to Promote Your Photography
By: Peter Moore | 08/11/2009A look at how amateur and professional photographers can cost effectively create and manage their own professional looking website using an online website builder...
What Are Net Pots?
By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | GardeningThe type of hydroponic nutrient that your plants will need varies according to the plants and their stage of growth; you will find specific formulations for any indoor gardening need readily available.
Botanicare Nutrients Help Your Plants Flourish
By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | Home & FamilyThe version used for soil growers features high phosphorous levels, which is useful if your garden has clay soils, because clay can tie up the phosphorous naturally occurring in the soil, so by adding a soil amendment with high phosphorous it will help to bring your clay soil back into productive balance.
Hydroton Grow Rocks For Gardening
By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | BusinessHydroton clay brings other beneficial qualities for those who use it for container gardening. Hydroton clay is odorless, which is an excellent attribute if you are gardening indoors in a home or greenhouse. Hydroton is also very clean, making it much easier to work with than other types of soils and garden amendments.
Help With Hydroponic Growing Mediums
By: Susan Slobac | 30/10/2009 | GardeningFor traditional plantings where having quality soil is important, such as container gardening, gardening in raised beds or hanging baskets, you might want to try Foxfarm Ocean
Foxfarm Nutrients For Hydroponic Gardening
By: Susan Slobac | 30/10/2009 | GardeningOne of the Foxfarm nutrients that emphasizes nitrogen is the Foxfarm American Pride Organic Based Dry Mix. With a 9-6-6 formula for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it is designed to boost foliage production as well as the size and color intensity of blooms and buds.
The Right Picture Frames Supplies Make The Difference
By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | BusinessThese are not hard-and-fast rules, just general guidelines, however. Nonetheless, careful consideration should be given to the choice of these particular picture frames supplies; the picture frame mouldings should blend in with the décor of the room and should compliment the image being framed, not detract from it.
Custom Picture Framing Supplies Can Make a Difference
By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | BusinessWhether you are purchasing a ready-made frame or are creating your own custom picture frames, the choice of picture frame moulding material is important. The general rule of thumb is that paintings/drawings are usually framed in wood, while metal frames are generally used for photographs.
Picture Framing – Where to Start, What to Choose
By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | BusinessSecondly, consider the setting in which the completed, framed work will be displayed. What is the décor like? Is it traditional or contemporary? Metal frames are fine for the latter, but wood picture frames with an unobtrusive stain work best in most other situations.