Framing Polaroids

[wpfay]

I frame quite a few of the over sized Polaroid photos (20 x 24). I have always used CAMP technologies (call them whichever) but was wondering about improving the frame package for the next batch. Materials and methods include hinging (float mount) with Japanese paper and Lascaux (though I have used the linen with vegetable starch (Nori has no adhesion to these at all) in the past with good results, and these are going to be shipped...), 4-ply mount with Bainbridge AC foamboard support. Rabbet of frame sealed, OP-3 acrylic glazing, Tyvek dust cover, and just for Ron, I'm using Wallbuddies this time.
Specifically, are there any technologies, such as an oxygen scavenger, a desiccant panel, or a corrosion inhibitor that can be added to the framing package to help extend the lifespan of these otherwise fragile images. (The substrate of the image is pretty tough and is mostly plastic of some sort, the images are very susceptible to light and UV fading).

 

[Framing Goddess]

Wally,
I'd like to know about this as well since I have a very expensive Polaroid fading before my eyes on my living room wall. I have always considered this "The Nature Of The Beast."

edie the idratherbegardening goddess

 

[framah]

My question to you is ...Where are you getting the 20x24 Polaroids from? I know you aren't shooting them yourself. (are you??) I think there are only a couple of these cameras around and it definitely isn't cheap to rent time on them!!
If you actually DO have one of these extremely rare cameras, can I come down and play??
Personally, I would try using corner pockets to hold the photo in place. Alot easier to work with than all that gluing nonsense plus, it is then held in place at all 4 corners.
I don't think you need any of those items you mentioned as they aren't going to help prevent fading and the Bainbridge artcare board has little thingies that help lock up any pollutants trapped in the frame. Sounds like what you got going is ok.

 

[wpfay]

Framah,
I have several clients that use the 20x24 at the studios in NYC, and there are a group of photographers that have access to one of the cameras through a local gallery I frame for. I believe there are only 6 of these cameras in existence and Polaroid, or their latest incarnation owns them all.
Pocket corners are used when they are overmatted, but these are to be floated (no visible means of support). Not the best presentation for the photo, but the artists like the look.
If you would like to see one of the artist's work, go to www.johnstevenson-gallery.com , click on the gallery, go to artists listing and click on Linda Broadfoot. Linda does Polaroid transfers and was selected to be in Polaroid's permanent collection about 2 years ago. Since then she has had shows in NYC, New Orleans, Monterey, Ca., and Ketchem, Id.

FG. Cover it with fabric when you are not viewing it. I have a number of the Polaroid transfers that are fading in one of the most ill-lit areas of my otherwise dark home.

 

[preservator]

If the photos are completely sealed in a package,
which has glass in front, the contents of the package can be conditioned to around 35% before
they are enclosed. The sealing film and glass should keep the contents that dry, indefinitely,
aiding in the preservation of the photo. The only
other possible beneficial treatment would be removal of the oxygen in the package. The fact that oxygen-free conditions slow the fading of
many pigments has been known since the 19th Century. Unfortunately, research to show just
which pigments benefit from this condition has
never been fully carried out. It is known that
Prussian blue can react in unpredictable ways in
oxygen-free conditions. Whether that or other
vulnerable colorants are present in these Polaroids is an important question. Creation of
oxygen-free (anoxic) conditions is difficult,
using current technologies, but the fact that
food packaging is using this strategy more and more, may make it easier to achieve, in the future.


Hugh

 

[wpfay]

Thanks Hugh,
A client wanted to add the Oxygen scavenger to a framing package but was unaware that it would require sealing the package, and changing the glazing. The pieces are to be shipped as well, so the cost of the glazing went through the roof.

I have found out that the folks at the RIT Image Permanence Center are doing some research on the Polaroids and will report back any helpful information I can gleen from them.

 

[framah]

Wally... I looked at Lindas work. Great stuff!! I have always wanted to use one of those monster cameras. I also wanted to use my enlarger to shoot my slides onto 8x10 Polaroid film and transfer the images. I have the film processer and the film carriers and I just need some place to set it up. Half of the fun is not knowing exactly what you are going to get until it is done!
Thanks for reminding me of another unfinished project in my store!!