One option is to create what conservators call a "sealed package." Once
you've matted the photo, you sandwich the front and back matts between
plexi and tape the edges with plastic tape. Then you frame the sandwich.
Although it won't keep all the humidity out, it will slow the rate of
change within the package. The hope then is the humidity will enter slowly
enough for the photo to acclimatize and not curl.
I suspect that for a dessicant to be effective, you 'll have to create a
sealed environment anyway and you'd have to unseal it to change dessicant.
It might be more realistic to hope the photos reach stasis or change so
slowly as to mitigate harm.
Hope this is helpful
Diane Gutenkauf
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On Wed, 22 Mar 2006 15:42:52 -0500, Melissa Mannon <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
>Hello everyone,
>
>I will be hanging framed photographs in a humid environment. I am not
>hanging the originals, but would like these copies to be preserved for as
>long as possible. I do not have the option to hang them under better
>environmental conditions. What is my best option for helping the
longevity
>of the materials? I read on a photography site that adding some desiccant
>to the framing can help, but of course I also read on the conservation
sites
>that this is not a long term solution. Do I have any viable options for
>slowing the deterioration process in less than ideal conditions?
>
>Thanks for your time!
>Melissa Mannon
>
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