Using archival-quality supplies
Always look for archival-quality photo album materials. These are designed to be chemically inert, which means your pictures won’t dissolve, fade, or deteriorate. And your inkjet paper and ink should be equally dependable through the years.

When selecting album pages for your photo archive, look for ones that are acid- and lignin-free. These chemicals can yellow and damage pictures. Also look for plain pages without adhesive, unless it’s archival quality. Instead, use photo corners. They may take more time, but aren’t your pictures worth it?

To limit your prints’ contact with air and preserve them for future generations, use page protectors and pocket corners. But beware of ones that contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which will eventually damage photos. And when writing in your albums and scrapbooks, use permanent pens with acid-free inks. These pens come in a variety of colors and nib styles.

Choosing an album
An album is ideal for both showcasing and protecting your printed photos. The most common albums are strap-closing books and three-ring binders. Strapped books should always be stored in an upright position. And be sure not to overfill a three-ring binder: If it doesn’t close all the way, you could lose a page. Otherwise, both are good choices—just select a cover design that suits your personality and the mood of the photos.

Where to store pictures
The most convenient place for a cache of photos (such as a basement or attic) is often the worst place to store them. It’s best to keep your photos and albums in a room that’s relatively well ventilated and doesn’t have dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Store photos in a cool, dry, dark place that’s safe from threats such as pet damage and flooding. A closet, chest, or cabinet (with the prints in a box that controls light and air exposure) offers the best solution. For heirloom pictures, consider a fireproof box.

Show off your pictures
One of the biggest causes of photo fading is light. HP Vivera inks resist the effects of filtered sunlight, indoor halogens, and common fluorescent and incandescent light. If you frame your pictures, hang them out of direct sunlight. If that’s unavoidable, try rotating prints occasionally or using frames with anti-UV glass. This type of frame can often be found at photo stores and frame shops.

When showing pictures to friends and family, try to avoid touching the surface of the prints. Skin leaves oils that can permanently stain a print after a number of years. To remove fingerprints and smudges, try using a cotton ball dampened with rubbing alcohol.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll keep your photo memories vivid for generations to come.

Long-lasting HP supplies
HP Vivera inks and HP Premium Plus photo paper create true-to-life color photos that resist fading for up to 110 years.* And HP offers affordable ink and photo paper value packs for printing volumes of photos.

* Based on Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. light fade testing under glass (as of January 2005) using HP Vivera inks on HP Premium Plus photo papers.

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