Airtight framing is one way to preserve prints in high humidity
Large photographic prints are expensive to produce, so naturally you want to take good care of them. No matter how you choose to display them, there is potential for damage from outside sources. If you happen to live in an area with high humidity, this can cause mold, mildew and moisture to build up on your prints. The best way to prevent this type of damage is to control the climate they are stored in and the way they are displayed.
Instructions
1. Use archival materials for mounting or framing. Archival materials are free of acid and other corrosives that when combined with humidity can double the damage to your prints.
2. Display the prints in an area where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. This can exacerbate the toll that humidity takes on prints. Do not display them in kitchens or bathrooms where added humidity from steam can also make the problem worse.
3. Frame the prints using airtight frames. If you do not use an airtight frame, humidity can seep in, causing the prints to mold or stick to the glass of the frame, which can cause damage to the picture. If you don't know do this, a professional framer can help.
4. Use an air conditioner in the room in which the prints will be displayed or stored. An air conditioner can cut back on the heat and humidity, cutting down on the chance of mold or moisture. In an extremely humid climate, mold and moisture are the enemies of prints.
5. Use a dehumidifier. Sometimes air conditioners alone will not work to keep your prints safe from humidity. If the climate you live in is extremely humid, a dehumidifier can take some of the moisture out of the air and give your prints a chance to stay dry and free of mold.
6. Mount the prints without a frame. Frames can be dangerous in humid climates because the enclosed space can trap humidity, turning it into moisture that causes paper to mold. Mounting your prints without a frame prevents this from happening.
7. Laminate your prints. Though many photographers do not like lamination, in high humidity areas this is an effective way to make sure your prints do not get mold or mildew on them.
Tags: your prints, display them, extremely humid, high humidity, mold mildew, mold moisture
