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Protecting pictures is especially important if your photos are exposed to humidity, dirt, dust, or air-borne chemicals. Exposure to any of these environmental factors can damage your pictures. Protect them with these measures.
- The best way is to frame them and then display them in a low-humidity environment. Make sure to seal the back of the frame so that moisture and other contaminants can't get in.
- Store pictures that you don't frame in archival photo boxes or albums, and keep those treasure chests out of the attic, basement, and garage. (You don't need squirrels and bugs nibbling at your pictures on top of everything else.)
- Display photos out of direct light. You know how sunlight coming through a window can fade your carpet or furniture? It has the same effect on photographic prints, even framed ones. Fluorescent light can suck the life out of a print, too.
- To preserve your image colors as long as possible, display the picture in a location that doesn't get doused with strong light for hours each day. For framed photos, special UV-filtering glass can help, too.
- Keep your mitts off! When handling prints and negatives, avoid touching the surface of the picture. Even if your hands are absolutely clean, the oil from your fingers can leave thumbprints that may be difficult to remove. If your hands are moist, you may even smudge inkjet prints.
If you do your own scanning and picture-framing, think about investing in a pair of lint-free, cotton gloves to wear while you work. You can buy gloves specially made for this purpose at your local photography-supply outlet or through online stores.
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