RE: Fixative for old BW prints

mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx · Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:57:33 -0700

Not something I would recommend.  I have tried the stuff and getting it on even is easier said than done.  A print that size would be even worse and it would be fairly easy to ruin the print.  If it doesn't say archival on the can, and maybe even if it does, you can expect some sort of changes over time.  Richard should know far more about that.

If its in such a high traffic area where its always different people passing the only solution I can think of would be to get it matted and under some sort of poly.  Glass that size if it broke could be a real safety hazard.  Matt keeps the print off the ploy or maybe lexan, and lexan keeps the fingers off the print.

Won't be cheap, but its the best I can come up with.  Maybe others have better ideas.

-------- Original Message --------

Subject: Fixative for old BW prints

From: Gary Lobdell <GLobdell@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Date: Thu, August 04, 2011 2:57 pm

To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students

<photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

        One of my county clients has an aerial photo mosaic that we produced for them in 1977.  It is 8 ft. x 8 ft. and made up of numerous wet processed black and white enlargements.  It was never laminated and now that they have moved it to a high traffic hallway, people cannot seem to look at it without touching it.  I suggested that they use an aerosol fixative on it, however, someone told me that those sprays may cause the prints to yellow.  Does anyone have any experience with a fixative on old prints?

 Gary A. Lobdell, CP, PS | Senior Photogrammetrist           
 The Sidwell Company 
 675 Sidwell Court | St. Charles, Illinois 60174-3492 
 Office: 630-549-1020 | Cell: 630-715-3390
 www.sidwellco.com

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