4 Tips to Preserve Old Photos So They Last for Generations

Everyone probably got a bunch of old photos from their family. They might be in an album, or maybe they’re just loose photos that have been stored away for years. Either way, it’s important to preserve these photos so future generations can enjoy them too! The following are some tips suggested by ADVS Sydney to preserve those precious memories so they last for decades or even longer.

Digitize old photos

This will help preserve the original print but also allow for easier access. There are a few different ways to digitize your photos, depending on how much technology you want to invest in and what kind of equipment you have available. Most people use scanners these days.

Scanning is a good way to preserve the original image and make it easier to share online with friends or family members who live far away. You can also use a digital camera (or smartphone), though this method often results in lower-quality images than scanning does. If you decide to go this route, make sure your camera is compatible with whatever software or hardware you plan on using later on when making prints or sharing files online.

Store photos in acid-free boxes and photo albums

It’s important to keep your photos in storage materials that don’t release acids or reactive chemicals. Acid-free storage materials, such as cardboard or polyethene and polypropylene plastics, are designed for this purpose. These materials will not cause any damage to your photos over time.

Keep photos in a cool, dry place

To preserve your old photos, they need to be stored in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 degrees Celsius). It’s also important not to store photos in the attic or basement—these areas are likely to get dusty and damp. You should also avoid the refrigerator or freezer because these conditions will damage the paper and cause mould growth on your photographs over time.

Don’t use glue or tape to stick photos into an album

If you’re planning to put your old photos into an album, don’t use glue or tape. Both of these materials can damage the photo by altering its chemical composition. Instead, use acid-free photo corners or photo corners with a hinge—that way, you can easily remove the photos if necessary and they won’t stick together.

If you’re looking for an album that will preserve your family’s history for generations to come, look for one with plastic pages instead of paper ones. The plastic material is more durable than paper and is protected from wear by moisture better than the fabric used in acid-free albums (though it does tend to be more expensive).

There are also special types of plastic sleeves available for storing photos individually. Prints stored this way will last longer without fading because there isn’t any moisture touching them on either side; however, these sleeves are also stiffer than regular envelopes so they may be harder to store or display.

Conclusion

Having a physical photo is better than having no photo at all, but if you want to preserve it for generations to come, you’ll have to take some extra steps. Now that you’ve read this article and learned about the best ways to preserve old photos, hopefully, your next one will last longer than ever before. 

About the Author

Patrick Watt is a content writer, writing in several areas, primarily in business growth, value creation, M&A, and finance. Other interests also include content marketing and self-development. Say hi to Patrick on Twitter @patrickwattpat.