Mounting photos is a beautiful way to display your cherished memories, but it’s important to do it right to ensure they’re preserved for the long term. Whether you’re framing a family portrait or creating a photo wall, here’s a deep dive into the best practices for mounting photos.

1. Framing Your Photos: Protecting Originals

Framing is one of the most popular ways to display photos, but it requires careful consideration to ensure your originals remain intact.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can cause photos to fade over time. If you’re framing an original, it’s best to display it in a location away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, create a high-quality copy and frame that instead, keeping the original stored safely.
• Use UV-Protective Glass: If you must place a photo in a sunlit area, use a frame with UV-protective glass. This special glass can block a significant amount of harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of fading.
• Matting: Consider using acid-free matting in your frames. Matting not only enhances the presentation but also prevents the photo from touching the glass, which can cause sticking and moisture damage.

2. Photo Corners: A Safe and Flexible Mounting Option

Photo corners are an excellent choice for mounting photos in albums or scrapbooks. They’re easy to use and don’t require adhesives that could damage your photos.

• Acid-Free Photo Corners: Choose acid-free photo corners to prevent any chemical damage to your photos over time. These corners hold the photo securely without touching its surface, allowing for easy removal if needed.
• Positioning: Place photo corners carefully at each corner of your photo. Ensure they’re aligned properly to avoid stress on the photo’s edges.

3. The Dangers of Adhesives: What to Avoid

Using adhesives like tape, glue, or sticky tack might seem convenient, but they can cause significant damage to your photos over time.

• Sellotape: Never use sellotape or other standard tapes directly on photos. Over time, the adhesive can deteriorate, leaving residue and potentially causing discoloration or tearing.
• Blu-Tack: Blu-Tack can leave oily stains and cause photos to warp. It’s best avoided for mounting photos.
• Adhesive Sprays: While some adhesive sprays claim to be photo-safe, it’s risky to apply anything directly to your photos. Always choose methods that don’t involve adhesives, like photo corners or sleeves.

4. Alternative Mounting Techniques: Sticky-Free Solutions

For those looking for alternatives to adhesives, consider these options:

• Photo Sleeves: Acid-free photo sleeves are a great way to protect and mount photos without adhesives. They allow you to handle the photo without touching its surface and can be inserted into albums or mounted on a wall using clips.
• Magnetic Frames: Magnetic frames are an adhesive-free option that allows you to easily swap out photos. They provide a secure hold without risking damage to your photos.

5. Creating a Photo Wall: Displaying with Care

Photo walls are a popular design trend, allowing you to showcase multiple photos in a creative arrangement. Here’s how to do it without compromising your photos’ integrity:

• Use Copies: If you’re creating a photo wall with original prints, consider making copies and using those for display. This way, you can protect the originals from light exposure and potential damage.
• Non-Damaging Hanging Tools: Use picture-hanging strips or hooks that won’t damage your walls or photos. Avoid nails and tacks that can puncture and degrade photos over time.

6. Storage While on Display: Rotating Photos

To reduce the risk of long-term damage, consider rotating the photos you display:

• Seasonal Rotation: Rotate photos seasonally or annually to give each one a break from light exposure. Store the off-season photos in acid-free boxes, away from heat and humidity.
• Digital Displays: Consider creating a digital photo frame or wall display where you can rotate through a collection of photos without exposing the originals to any physical risks.

Conclusion

Mounting and displaying your photos is more than just a decorative choice—it’s an important step in preserving your memories. By following these best practices, you can enjoy your photos now while ensuring they remain intact for future generations. Whether you’re framing a treasured portrait, creating a photo wall, or organizing an album, take the time to do it right, and your memories will thank you.