Peter L. from Salt Lake City, UT, recently reached out with a heartfelt question: “I’ve noticed my old family photos are starting to fade. Why does this happen, and what can I do to preserve them?”
Peter’s concern about fading photographs is one we often hear about at ScanMyPhotos. While some memories seem everlasting, even the most cherished pictures can lose their vibrancy over time. Let’s explore why this happens and how to keep your treasured images from fading.
Why Do Photos Fade?
Ultraviolet Light:
One of the biggest culprits behind fading photos is ultraviolet (UV) light. When color film became popular in the early 1960s, the dyes used were highly unstable. Even prints from the 1970s can appear washed out. The inks in these photos contained light-absorbing molecules called chromophores, which break down when exposed to light. This causes the photo’s surface to degrade, leading to faded, hazy, or discolored images. Magenta dye is particularly unstable, which is why older photos often have a greenish tint.
Pollutants:
Household chemicals, tobacco smoke, and dust can alter the chemical composition of photos, causing fading, stains, and abrasions. Cleaning photos with household chemicals can exacerbate the damage.
Non-Archival Materials:
Acidic materials like sure tapes, papers, and mats can stain prints. Magnetic photo pages, which were popular from the 1970s to the 1990s, are especially damaging. They leave sticky residues that can be nearly impossible to remove without damaging the photos.
Storage in Damp Settings:
Humidity is another enemy of photographs. Moist environments can cause oxidation, which rapidly changes photo hues. Due to oxidation, dye-based inks degrade faster than pigment-based inks. Additionally, humidity can lead to fungus damage, which is visible as large brown splotches.
How to Prevent Photo Fading and Damage
Proper Storage:
To prevent further fading and other damage, follow these tips for proper photo storage:
Avoid exposure to all kinds of light, especially direct or intense sunlight.
Display photos in acid-free mats and frames with UV-protective glass.
Do not store photos and negatives in attics, basements, or other areas with extreme temperature changes or high humidity.
Keep photos away from direct heat sources like radiators and vents.
Prevent exposure to smoke and chemicals.
Store photos in a dry place with 30–50% relative humidity, and in a cool, clean, stable environment.
Go digital: Stop the fading by getting all your photos, slides, film negatives, and reels of home movies scanned by a professional photo archivist.
Use archival boxes or albums for storage. Store negatives and slides in archival sleeves inside acid-free three-ring binders.
More Solutions:
Pigment dyes used in many modern color photographs offer archival stability that rivals black-and-white photos. Dye-based inks in affordable inkjet printers are also much more resistant to fading and smudging than before. By following these steps, you can help ensure your cherished memories remain vibrant for generations. Thank you, Peter, for your important question. Remember, preserving your photos is not just about safeguarding images; it’s about keeping your family history alive and digitized.
For more tips and solutions, visit ScanMyPhotos.com. Happy preserving!
