In years to come, you'll cherish your photo memories. Make sure your pictures remain as vibrant and crisp as the
day you printed them. HP has tips and tools
for prolonging the life and integrity of your photos. Learn about why you need the right supplies, and which are
the best places for photo storage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about preventing photo fade
and keep your photo memories vivid for generations to come.
HP Vivera inks and
HP Premium Plus photo paper
create true-to-life color photos that resist fading for up to 110 years.1 And HP offers affordable ink andphoto paper
value packs
for printing volumes of photos.
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
Printable version
