Tips for Archival Storage of Negatives

Stickers have eroded the plastic and damaged the negative over time

At the Colour Factory we have recently been required to scan a client’s negatives that have been in storage for some time. Difficulty was experienced when removing the negative from the plastic sleeve, and once removed, we noticed an obvious indentation on the surface caused by the red dot sticker that had been left on the sleeve for several years. The glue in the sticker has eroded the plastic and subsequently damaged the negative.

This is a reminder for us all to be careful of what our negatives come into contact with whilst in storage. Negatives should always be kept in plastic sleeves such as polypropylene or acid free paper. The plastic protects the negative from dust, harmful substances and damage caused from handling. Generally, if kept out of contact from environmental factors that lead to its deterioration (such as humidity) negatives will last ‘indefinitely’.