I've run across many old photo negatives from several decades ago, and I'd like to be able to store each one individually to minimize further damage or deterioration. My first thought was to use sandwich bags, but they take up a lot of space compared to the negative sizes.
I know there are specialty bag retailers, but it would be nice to find something similar enough that I could buy at the grocery store. The sizes vary, but many of the negatives are a little less than five inches by a little less than three inches.
Any information from the terribly obvious to the marginally relevant is appreciated.
2007-11-12 02:46:35 · 7 answers · asked by night_train_to_memphis 6 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
There are sites on line that sell various size bags. I had the info but will take a while to find it. If you are still interested in it contact me and I'll look for it.
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Check your mail, I sent you the sizes and the price
2007-11-12 06:27:20 · answer #1 · answered by Mommiedearest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure on the dimensions of the bag but many regular stores carry a snack bag which I think is about the size of a strip of negatives. Here we go...
6 1/2 inches X 3 1/4 inches (50 bags)
as an example.
2007-11-12 02:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by the_vandalin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rather than ziplock bags, consider checking out the scrapbook or photo section of your craft store. There are so many bags, envelopes, accordian files, etc, made of photo safe material. They will keep your negatives safe and unless you get something very fancy, they are very affordable.
If you use a ziplock bag, consider lining the bag with a photo safe paper (pick something cheap from the scrapbook aisle of WalMart or a craft store, you can get whole sheets for 25 cents). If the negatives are special to you, especially since they are old, you want to make sure they are protected from chemicals and light damage.
2007-11-12 10:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Shelly J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not use food containers for photo's as the plastic they are made of will stick to the photos eventually.If you treasure your photos go to a craft or photo equipment store and get archival quality PVC photo pages for a three ring binder.They cost about $10,but they are designed for long term storage,once you fill them, keep them in a cool,dark place like a closet shelf.If insects are a problem,then get an airtight case like a Pelican,with an o-ring seal,or a large Ziplock bag around the photo pages.Try to avoid putting photos facing each other,only use pencil for the back captions(ink bleeds through).And keep away from water or direct sunlight,also any wood,especially composites as the glue will vaporize in the air.If possible make several copies and keep them in different locations in case of Fire,Flood,Tornado,Hurricane,or other natural disaster.Burning a copy onto CD,and Archiving the original is best.Once taken,a photo can't be replaced under the same conditions.
2007-11-12 03:01:29 · answer #4 · answered by gary s 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would not store old negatives, that obviously are special enough to you to save, in a bag that is not archival quality. If you put them in zip lock kind of bags you run the risk of ruining your negatives in the long run with vapors/acidity from the plastic.
I doubt that grocery stores would carry these, but if you have a photo shop nearby, that might be worth a try. If all fails,
here are some links with archival quality storage for you:
http://www.archivalusa.com/negative-storage-pages.html
http://www.printfile.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=2
2007-11-12 03:02:25 · answer #5 · answered by Gabriele M 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Zip-loc snack bags is what you're looking for.
2007-11-12 02:53:44 · answer #6 · answered by Dave B. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋