Here is a guide on how to handle, store and frame inkjet photo paper:
How to Store Inkjet Photo Paper
- Keep the paper in a close box. Preferably in its original packaging.
- Keep it away from direct light, heat, dust and humid conditions.
How to Handle Inkjet Photo Paper
- Avoid touching the coated surface. Handle the paper by its underside or edges instead.
- Remember that the more sheen a photo paper has, such as glossy or lustre, the more noticeable the smudges would be.
- Before printing, you can clean the photo paper from dust and debris. Use a lint-free cloth to polish dust off paper.
- Clean the inside of the printer with canned air to remove paper dust. Here is how to clean printer rollers.
- Fan the papers before loading them into the print. This also unsticks them from each other.
How to Handle Printed Inkjet Photo Paper
- Allow printed inkjet papers to dry out for at least 30 minutes before storing.
- To dry out printed inkjet papers faster, place an acid-free copy paper on top of the print to absorb the ink's moisture.
- When stacking prints, interleave with acid-free copy papers to avoid rubbing off the ink.
How to Store Printed Inkjet Photo Paper
- Similar to how to store blank inkjet photo paper, avoid direct light, heat and humidity.
- Environment must've a controlled temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and controlled humidity (15-60% relative humidity).
- For storage containers and sleeves, find ones that are labelled photo safe or archival quality and are free from acid, PVC and lignin.
How to Frame Printed Inkjet Photo Paper
- Use archival mats and mount boards.
- Avoid exposing your prints to heat such as high-heat substrates. Use a UV filtered glass to protect it from UV and air exposure.
- Avoid using spray mounts and liquid adhesives as ink can react to humidity and moisture.
- Avoid using taping the edges of the photo to bind it into a mounting board as it can damage the print.
- Instead, use photo strips or photo corners.