Making a Non-Archival Photo Archival?

ajtour · 04-13-2009, 10:05 PM

Hi, all --

Last summer, before I discovered my favorite Epson printer and its waterproof inks, I used a Canon Pixma to print a tennis shot on Canon photo-quality matte paper. It was during an ATP event, and I took the shot one day . . . printed it in a hurry the next day as a last-minute afterthought . . . and went back to the tourney. The shot is of Federer when he was still No. 1, and he signed it with a Sharpie.

Is there any way to maximize the life of this autographed photo after-the-fact? I've had it in an archival-quality sleeve for the last 9 months, and it still looks good as new. Haven't framed it yet.

Is there some sort of spray I can apply which will protect the print without making the ink run? Or, should I frame it under UV protected glass? Or, is it hopeless? Will it fade in a few years regardless of what I do?

I have no intention of selling the image . . . just want to hold onto it as long as I can. Maybe I should just scan it and know that the "real thing" existed at some point. I'm thinking the Sharpie won't fade, but the photo will.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has tips for this!

HGMonaro · 04-14-2009, 04:54 AM

scaning it and reprinting would be a good way of having a copy to display. Stick the original in a folder in a dark place.

reminds my of a story my mother told me... many years ago she got a photo signed by a great football player... the signiture had faded over the years so she went over it with a pen... silly girl, the original would have been worth a lot of money now

vespa · 04-14-2009, 05:32 AM

Many moons ago a bunch of us managed to get backstage with a mod band-managed to get my tour t shirt signed by the wholoe group.A few weeks later my mum say "oh that shirt your mates wrote all over i've managed to get it clean at last"...............it was their last tour and the band broke up shortly after DOH

ajtour · 04-14-2009, 10:47 AM

Oh, painful stories, all! Vespa, that would be a great Tide detergent commercial!

I'm not big on getting autographs, but since I took the picture myself, it was especially meaningful that Federer signed it. Incidentally, he signed for every single person in attendance at his practice session (probably 200ish) and said "hello" and "thank you" and "you're welcome" to everyone as well. Laughed with the volunteers. Really seemed to be enjoying himself. He's such a class act!

I'm thinking the "original in a dark place" with a scan on display is my best bet. Thanks for your help!