What are the best practices for storing and preserving your darkroom prints?

1 Choose archival paper and chemicals

Not all darkroom papers and chemicals are created equal. Some are more prone to deterioration and fading than others. To preserve your prints, you should choose archival paper and chemicals that are designed to resist aging and environmental damage. Archival paper is usually made of 100% cotton or alpha-cellulose, and has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Archival chemicals are usually formulated to reduce residual thiosulfate, a by-product of fixing that can cause yellowing and brittleness over time.

2 Wash and dry your prints thoroughly

One of the most important steps in preserving your prints is washing and drying them properly. Washing removes any excess chemicals and dirt that could harm your prints in the long run. You should wash your prints for at least 10 minutes in running water, or use a hypo clearing agent to speed up the process. Drying your prints is equally important, as moisture can cause mold, mildew, and stains. You should dry your prints flat on a clean surface, or use a print dryer with low heat and gentle pressure.

3 Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures

The enemies of darkroom prints are light, heat, and humidity. These factors can accelerate fading, color shifting, and deterioration of your prints. To prevent this, you should avoid exposing your prints to direct sunlight and high temperatures. Store your prints in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet, a drawer, or a cabinet. If you want to display your prints, use UV-protective glass or acrylic frames, and avoid hanging them near windows, radiators, or fireplaces.

4 Use acid-free materials and containers

Another way to protect your prints from damage is to use acid-free materials and containers. Acid can cause discoloration, fading, and embrittlement of your prints over time. You should avoid using paper, cardboard, or plastic that contains acid, such as newsprint, wood pulp, or PVC. Instead, use acid-free paper, envelopes, sleeves, or boxes to store your prints. You can also use archival interleaving paper or tissue to separate your prints and prevent them from sticking together.

5 Label and organize your prints

Finally, you should label and organize your prints so that you can easily find and identify them. Labeling your prints can help you keep track of the date, film, paper, and process used for each print. You can use a pencil, an archival pen, or a sticker to write on the back of your prints, or use a separate sheet of paper to record the information. Organizing your prints can help you sort them by theme, subject, or project. You can use dividers, folders, or albums to group your prints and make them accessible.