Faded photographs, unfortunately are sadly a common problem that affects photographs, we've all seen them. The colours begin to fade after a relatively brief time under an assault from the atmosphere. Three major contributors to fading of prints are Ozone in the air, Sunlight, strong fluorescent light and water all of which are abundantly available in the atmosphere.

Older photographs were printed on paper that was made from a wood based pulp that didn't have certain chemical compound removed from it. These compounds known as Lingnan's turn yellow and fade over time. When exposed to sunlight they begin to fade and deteriorate even faster. This paper has a high acidity or PH that over time based on a chemical reaction causes the paper to deteriorate.

We can stop this happening by putting them in an acid free cardboard box and storing it in a dark dry cool place.

That's all very well, but we take photographs to put in frames and put them on display. Then after a time  we notice that instead of a nice clear photograph, we now have in its place a rather faded photograph that as no colour. Just like the examples to your left.

But don't despair, if you haven't got the negative, I can bring back the colour to that faded photograph.