How to protect framed prints from humidity

[Bob Harrison]

Can anybody help? I am living in a place with extremely high humidity. Normally people do not use air conditioning as it cools down at night. The problem that I have is that ab out 6 months after framing and displaying my photography, the print surface and mount board start to suffer the ill effects of humidity. They seem to develop d ark spots that look like mold or mil dew. The prints are archivally processed a nd I use only 100% rag boards. Once the process starts it is impossible to save them. Has anybody come across a solution to this problem?? Incidentially, the prints are also toned in selenium.

[Thomas R. Young]

Over the last year or so there have been a couple of good articles in Photo Techniques magazine on RC print permanence March/April 98 and May/June 98. The article seemed to indicate that the paper manufacturers have not been as completely forthcoming as they should be regarding this issue. Your problems sound very similiar to what I read in the articles. They mentioned toning as well Agfa Sistan to extend print life. Check out the articles if you can www.phototechmag.com Good luck

[John Hicks]

I believe you have three options:

Assuming you're using a frame with glass, seal the frame _airtight_ after putt ing a little dessicant in the bottom.

Don't use glass; allow full air circulation.

Use an air conditioner. Aside from comfort, air conditioning will also help pr event fungus growth on your lenses, bags etc.

[John Laragh]

Use a dehumidifier in area where prints hang or pack back of frame with packages of dehumidifying crystals. If not practical, you will probably have to get a dry mount press and dry mount all your prints. Not 100% and there are questions about longevity of dry mounting, but it will definitely help.