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How Should I Store My Polaroid Pictures?

Polaroid pictures are unique because they are both the negative and picture in the same photo. When Polaroid film is installed into a Polaroid camera, the negative is exposed and the picture is ejected thorough small pressure rollers that release the required film developer and fixing agent to process the image. In two to three minutes from the time the picture is taken, the image becomes visible. Storing these pictures correctly will help to reduce the chance of them fading over time.

Things You'll Need

Negative archival sheets for 4 x 5 inch film negatives

Instructions

- 1
  Remove your Polaroid pictures from the box or envelope in which may be stored. Carefully clean the front of the picture using an anti-static cloth. While this cloth is typically used on negatives, you can also use it on pictures.
- 2
  Insert one Polaroid picture into each section of the 4 x 5 inch negative holder archival sleeve. Polaroid pictures are thicker than negatives and slightly smaller than 4 x 5 inches, so the added room of the sleeve will allow the picture to be inserted. Continue to insert all the pictures into the sleeve.
- 3
  Place each sleeve into a hardcover binder. The weight of each sleeve as it is added will assist in keeping the Polaroid pictures flat. When the binder is full, place it into a box and store the box in a dry area in your home.

Photography