Best Method of Writing on Back of Paper Photographs: I have a large collection of paper photographs, and I would like to write the details of who, what, where and when on the back of...

SkipinSC Loc: South Carolina

I have a large collection of paper photographs, and I would like to write the details of who, what, where and when on the back of each.

What have you found to be the safest and best method?

Thanks!

JD750 Loc: SoCal

A fine tip felt pen, and don’t press hard, works for photographic prints.

But you said paper… ?? What did you mean exactly by paper?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I use a felt tip for RC paper, otherwise a fine ballpoint or pencil lightly.
Do not press in any case, it might emboss the paper.
Write on a hard surface, less chances of embossing.

SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

Having tried several of the above methods, I still have had the problem of "embossing" the photo. I find that writing the information on a small label and sticking it to the back of the photo works very well and avoids the problems of rubbing off on another photo if put in a stack and the threat of embossing.

Scotty

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

SAVH wrote:

Having tried several of the above methods, I still have had the problem of "embossing" the photo. I find that writing the information on a small label and sticking it to the back of the photo works very well and avoids the problems of rubbing off on another photo if put in a stack and the threat of embossing.

Scotty

Good idea.

SkipinSC Loc: South Carolina

Thanks for your help. By paper, I mean a wide range of photographic prints, going back to the late nineteenth century up to prints made from digital files this year.

So far, it sounds like a fine line sharpie is the best choice?

SkipinSC Loc: South Carolina

I like the idea of labels, unless the adhesive has some acid or other ingredient that might degrade the paper. I'll try to find some archival labels.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

SkipinSC wrote:

I like the idea of labels, unless the adhesive has some acid or other ingredient that might degrade the paper. I'll try to find some archival labels.

Seems like that will also work but I think you are right to be concerned about the glue.

Put them in storage (or on display) with a plain paper label next to them?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

SAVH wrote:

Having tried several of the above methods, I still have had the problem of "embossing" the photo. I find that writing the information on a small label and sticking it to the back of the photo works very well and avoids the problems of rubbing off on another photo if put in a stack and the threat of embossing.

Scotty

Hopefully the label adhesive will not bleed through over time like the old cellophane tapes did.

claytonsummers Loc: Orange County, CA

Google archival labels for photographs. There are a number of companies making these.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

3M makes double sided "Scotch" tape they claim to be photo safe that could attach any acid free paper label.

https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Photo-Safe-Double-Sided-400in/dp/B00X69Y2WY

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

claytonsummers wrote:

Google archival labels for photographs. There are a number of companies making these.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Unless you MUST, try NOT to write with anything on the back of valuable prints. Especially currently made markers contain solvent-based inks that can migrate through the paper into the emulsion. If you can use a soft graphite pencil that will work without much pressure, that is relatively safe.

What I have done in the past to minimize damage is to just GENTLY number each picture on the back and create a list with information.

Adhesives and adhesive labels may also cause damage. Here's a link to a supplier of archival labels. You can do up the text on your computer and print on these labels.

http://archivalaids.com/rsm/6/products/archival-acid-free-labels/archival-acid-free-labels-1

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

SkipinSC wrote:

Thanks for your help. By paper, I mean a wide range of photographic prints, going back to the late nineteenth century up to prints made from digital files this year.

So far, it sounds like a fine line sharpie is the best choice?

And the sharpie is apt to bleed thru!!!

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

#2 pencil with a light touch.