The Importance of Clear Bags

If you find that you are not able to mount your photographs right away, you’ll need clear bags in order to store such artifacts properly. Despite the invention of new, high-tech materials used for photographic media, archival photo storage is a definite science. Unless your valuable photos are stored properly in the correct type of crystal clear acid free plastic bags, you’ll find them turning into ugly, discolored pieces of scrap in short order. High-quality, archival-grade clear bags will both protect your photos while in storage and allow you to see them as well.

Moisture and acidity post serious threats to your photos. The use of a archival photo storage box along with a clear bag for each photo stored will make sure that your photos are protected against those insidious water molecules that seem to be able to sneak into all sorts of places. Improper photo storage can result in these microscopic droplets of water coming into contact with the acidic substances in many environmental pollutants and causing chemical interactions with the chemical dyes used on your photos. The result can be stains, discoloring, and other kinds of serious damage.

Ironically, the very thing that makes photography possible – light – is also an enemy of your photos. Clear bags contained inside proper photo storage boxes will protect your photos from the kind of fading that can result from exposure to the sun’s destructive ultra-violet rays.

Both photo storage boxes and clear bags are manufactured using special space-age materials. The bags themselves are made from a modern, high-tech kind of plastic known as biaxially oriented polypropylene, which is almost invisible. These crystal clear acid free plastic bags are available in over 500 different sizes, and are appropriate for the archival of not only photos, but other kinds of fine art and precious documents.

When it’s time to archive your valuable photos and other documents, a small investment in the proper kind of clear bags is an investment in peace of mind. By archiving your photos properly, you’ll know that that such non-digital photos will be safe and guarded against the ravages of time and pollution as they sit their in their photo storage box, awaiting the day when you can frame and mount them on the wall. As with everything involving photography and fine art, the quality often depends on the amount you are willing to pay; always purchase the best quality clear bags you can afford.

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.