SBM Digital Photo Restoration

Each of us believe that a photograph is something that will last forever , but even the most modern prints are not designed to last for more than a few decades. Black-and-white photographs, made up of light-sensitive silver salts known as silver halides, last longer. But color photographs and slides, which are made up of dyes and plastics, are more fragile. Any photograph will eventually submit to the elements and deteriorate. Fortunately digital photo restoration can save your precious memories once they are in the digital realm.

The Villians

-High temperature and relative humidity

The light-sensitive component that actually captures the image is made up of organic materials such as gelatin that makes the emulsion susceptible to mold and fungi especially when subject to the combination of heat and moisture. Photographs should be stored in a cool, dry place below about 68 Fahrenheit and under 50% relative humidity.

-Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet light of the sun destroy color prints. In fact, if you expose a color photograph to the sun over and over again it will eventually disappear. To prevent fading, keep your photographs out of direct exposure to sunlight. If you absolutely must display that picture in that perfect spot, you buy special filters to protect the photo. Another good idea is to make one copy for long-term storage and a second for display. SBM Photo Restoration will scan intact photos and archive them onto a C.D.

-Wood and Paper Products

Our photographs are printed onto paper. Much of the paper that they are printed on contain harmful acids, bleaches and other chemicals that can damage the emulsion of your photograph over time. Use only acid-free paper products. When shopping for "archival" products, make sure you are getting what you pay for - there is no accepted "archival" labeling standard.

-Air pollutants

It may come as a surprise, but even the fumes from household cleaning products and fresh paint can damage photos. You probably wont notice the effects right away, but in time they will become painfully obvious.

-Metallic Objects

Don't clip your photographs or negatives together with paper clips or binder clips. These devices can scratch the surface for the image. Metal will also leave an indentation on the photograph or if exposed to moisture may begin to rust leaving a rust stain on the photograph.