skip to main content

Are photos printed on acid-free paper?

22 years ago

Does anyone know if our photos are being printed on acid-free paper? I mean the photos that we have developed at Walmart/KMart,etc...

I have never an acid-free notice on the actual photo so why are we going through all the trouble of AF scrapbook papers, glues, albums?

I think I will email Kodak tomorrow and ask them.

Comments (2)

ArtsyCraftsy
22 years ago
No, photos are not acid-free. They are bathed in devoloper, then stop bath, then fixative, before being rinsed in water to "neutralize" those chemicals. When professional photographers develop their own pics they are much more neutral, but things run through high-speed developing machines are not- the chemicals can be old or dirty. That's why photos degrade so quickly. You see a noticeable color change in even 20 years. However, keeping them in a neutral environment will help slow down their degradation so they last longer.
Karen
sueravey
Original Author
22 years ago
Thx for the info, Karen. I sort of thought they were not bc I've never seen it advertised as such. I did email Kodak and they sent me a reponse that they do make acid-free supplies.
Related Discussions
Citric acid - powder or crystal form
Q
Comments (25)
Linda that's great. Much respect for your work! Looks like it had good impact on your community. There is so much food waste, money spent on bad food like candy, chips and soda, and it's so easy to grow a garden. You have given me an idea, I may contact my extension office and ask if they have classes like that here. I have wanted to take such a class for some time, but didn't know the county might have them. Food preservation is a science, and although I have the books, I would rather see someone else do it than read from a book, in case the book has a printing error or leaves something out. I didn't dare to try to can till after watching some youtube videos. So you see the classes really help as I'm sure there are other people like me who need more than a book to get started.
...See More
War on dust! -- In search of dust-free paper towels
Q
Comments (27)
Lily, huck toweling? Just googled it and hard to tell what it is... Can you enlighten me? About microfiber, honestly I cannot stand the way that stuff feels on my hands, it's similar to chalk on a blackboard and it snags on cuticles. I have to wear a pair of disposable latex gloves when using them -- which sort of defeats the purpose of using something re-useable, LOL. I just noticed yesterday that the horizontal part of my PT holder is covered with PT dust. It has been up in this house for a year. It's a very nice one from Ballard Designs and was up in my last house for 2-3 years and never got any dust on it at all. It's definitely little PT fibres.
...See More
Computer-printed photos in album with regular photos?
Q
Comments (3)
Except they tell me that computer printed pictures will fade with time. I'm hoping that is because of the air and light getting to them..which wouldn't be the case in an album. I had one that I had hanging on my bulletin board and it faded to a ghostly print in a short time. I have one under glass on my desk and it is fading some but not as fast as the one that was completely exposed...both have had about the same amount of light..only the one under glass was sealed from the air...but it "is" fading. I can't see that the ones in my albums have faded, but I don't think they will stand the test of time...
...See More
Photo Paper
Q
Comments (1)
I just use Kodak Premium Picture Paper (man on a sailboard on the front of it). I don't think you'll find acid free photo paper, not even from the developers, but if you put the photo's on acid free paper, it will help preserve your pictures. (from what I've read....) The quality of the pictures is really good, especially if you remember to set your printer on the 'best' quality and the right paper type.
...See More

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HOME OFFICES 9 Hacks for a Clutter-Free Home Office

By Natasha Saroca

Use these clever ideas to transform a chaotic study into one that’s more conducive to working

MOST POPULAR 10 Strategies for Keeping Surfaces Clutter-Free

By Laura Gaskill

The universe wants your coffee table to become a clutter magnet — but you can fight back

LIFE 'Not My Precious Books!' — Pain-Free Ways to Declutter Your Library

By Alison Hodgson

Have your books and neatness too, with these ideas for paring down and straightening up a beloved collection

BUDGET DECORATING 21 Free Ways to Give Your Home Some Love

By Laura Gaskill

Change a room’s look or set a new mood without spending anything but a little time

HOLIDAYS Your Guide to Stress-Free Thanksgiving Prep

By Laura Gaskill

We break down shopping, cleaning and cooking into manageable bites so you can actually enjoy yourself

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Family of 5 Lives (Almost) Clutter Free

By Margot Hartford Photography

Smart decor decisions and multipurpose items help this San Francisco family keep things tidy

LIFE Modern Manners for Conflict-Free Family Visits

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid thermostat wars, pet peeves and the great shower squeeze with these tips for having family as houseguests

HEALTHY HOME Sleep Happier and Healthier in a Toxin-Free Bedroom

By Robyn Lawrence

Light pollution, toxic bedding, wallpaper that off-gases ... if you're not getting good sleep, these bedroom blights might be to blame

HOME OFFICES Organize Photos in a Flash

By Bneato Professional Organizing

You post them, email them, maybe even print them out. But if your digital and printed photos are all lumped together, it's time to organize

DECORATING GUIDES Fresh Take: 13 New Ways With Animal Prints

By Becky Harris

Here’s what designers know about these vibrant patterns and what they can add to a room

Sponsored