Display Frames For Memorabilia? Quick Answer

Collecting personalized memorabilia is a pastime that has its roots in the mid-19th century. It was around this time that readers began collecting autographs from their favorite authors. The invention of photography and its popularity among people from all walks of life fueled an ongoing fascination with signed photographs.

Today, autographed and personalized photos of stars past and present can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. From an authentic autographed photograph of Walt Disney with his telltale signature to rare autographed snapshots of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, autographed photographs are highly collectible and as such worthy of protection.

Here we outline the best ways to store your signed mementos so you can preserve their value from year to year.

Storage of your valuable memorabilia

Your favorite autographed photos have both personal and financial value. If you have an autographed photograph of ballerina Anna Pavlova or a historic autographed photograph of an American president like John F. Kennedy, you don’t want to keep such treasures anywhere.

Paper and ink items are subject to degradation. Leaving items like old photos lying around unprotected can speed up this process of decay and reduce the value of your cherished autographed photos.

It is important to store your signed memorabilia in a way that ensures its quality.

They want to be able to preserve the photos and signatures that adorn them for generations to come. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to store your signed photos, whether you have a large or small collection.

What is the best way to keep signed photos?

As one of the best and most well-known autograph dealers, we at Tamino Autographs recommend our customers to carefully consider the storage of their autograph photos. We take great care of our own inventory of autographed memorabilia to ensure we maintain quality.

We want to share our storage solutions with you in this helpful guide so you too can protect your historic autographed photos and your investment in them. Not only are signed photos likely to retain their value, many will even increase in value over time. The best-preserved materials are the most desirable and those that fetch the most money when sold.

In our guide, we discuss the best solutions for safely displaying your archival-quality photos, as well as the best ways to store items you don’t want to display. We have provided several options to help you choose the best solutions for your memorabilia collection. Read on to learn about the best tools and gadgets for safely displaying and storing your precious autographed photos and memorabilia.

Storage solutions to display your signed photos

Of course, if you have an autographed photo of Babe Ruth with his bat, or an autographed photo of Linda Carter on the set of Wonder Woman, you might want to show them. It’s no surprise that collectors love to display their signed memorabilia, whether they got them from an autograph dealer or from the icon who actually signed them and presented them with the photo. Luckily, there are some excellent ways to safely display and preserve items at the same time.

Frame your signed photos

Choose a frame that makes a statement while securely storing your signed photo. Nowadays you have a wide variety of photos to choose from. You can opt for a traditional gilded wood gallery frame or an ultra chic floating glass frame with a modern appeal. The aesthetic of the frame is entirely optional; However, keep these tips and tricks in mind when choosing frames for your precious memorabilia.

When choosing a photo framing shop or shop, first make sure they are able to frame items with conservation-appropriate framing materials. It is important that you frame your signed autographs and photos with acid-free mounts, paper and other materials specifically designed for the preservation of paper items.

We recommend finding a low-slung frame so you can mount or display your signed photos without them touching the glass of the frame. It is important that your signed picture does not touch the glass. If it touches the glass, the air in the frame cannot circulate. This allows moisture to build up, causing your image to stick to the glass.

To avoid this situation, get a sunken frame or acid-free matboard. The mat provides a convenient and secure method of holding your image in place while preventing it from touching the glass. Remember that your mount needs to be archival grade and/or acid free to ensure the signed image will retain its high quality appearance and value for the foreseeable future.

If you get your picture from an autograph dealer or other source, the paper used for the signed autograph usually contains a natural acid called lignin. When the lignin reacts with other acids, the paper becomes brittle and yellow. This can result in a reduction in the value and collectability of your memorabilia.

In addition, you should also choose an acid-free backing board to complement your mat. The backing board will go behind your picture and while not visible it will be in contact with the picture so it should be archival grade or acid free.

Direct sunlight should be avoided, remember that no glass can provide 100% UV protection, sunlight should be indirect at worst, avoided entirely if possible. Also keep in mind that Ted felt tip pen ink tends to fade faster, then blue, then the rest.

Use a display case

An acrylic or glass display case is the ideal choice for presenting your autographed items such as larger or thicker photos. Display cases are popular options, especially if you want to display other items alongside your signed photo, such as B. an autographed baseball, a jersey or a musical instrument.

When you have items that are too complex to frame, a display case is the obvious choice. In addition, you can easily remove the items on display or simply leave them in the case indefinitely. The case protects your items from dust, spills or even pests like insects.

Display cases are now widely available online, in craft stores, or in stores that specialize in framing and selling archival materials. Display cases are a great option when you want to create a focal point in your space. You can add lighting features and add additional showcases to create a display for multiple autographed items in your collection.

Just remember that you should be careful of direct sunlight when setting up your display case. Make sure that your display case or display case is not exposed to direct UV light, otherwise the lignin contained in the photo paper will yellow faster. Direct sunlight is a serious threat to the safe preservation of your autograph collection and its value.

Storage solutions for signed photos that are not directly displayed

Often people who collect autographed photos and other historical memorabilia are not able or willing to display everything in their collection. Some people don’t have enough wall space to frame and display their signed vintage photos. Other people simply choose to keep their prized autograph collection out of sight. To store your memorabilia, you need to consider many different options. Here we have outlined some of the most popular ways to save signed autographed photos.

Acrylic top loader

Many collectors prefer to use acrylic top loaders to keep their signed photos safe and effective. These materials are relatively inexpensive and can be used to store a wide range of paper items, including postcards, bills, trading cards, antique greeting cards, and other collectible paper memorabilia. Typically acrylic toploaders are used to store flat items, but thicker materials such as coins can also be safely stored in these units.

Acrylic toploaders can even be displayed if you want to display them on an easel stand. You can find these toploaders in many different types and sizes, ranging from 3″ x 4″ to 32″ x 43″. You can often save money on these materials by buying them in bulk. We often purchase Ultra Pro acrylic top-load holders directly from the manufacturer or via Amazon.

PVC-free plastic sleeves

Many collectors create autograph books or scrapbooks with non-PVC plastic sleeves that can be stored in binders. These cases keep items well protected but also visible to collectors. If you have a rare or valuable collection, you might want to keep your items in these sleeves and then store them in a locked cupboard or safe away from prying hands, nosy guests, children, burglars, or even mischievous pets.

To create a flip book for your photo collection, you’ll need to purchase a number of PVC-free plastic sleeves (with tacking holes) as well as some acid-free paper to buffer your images. First, put your acid-free paper in your PVC-free plastic sleeves. Next, place your signed picture inside the plastic sleeves with one side of the acid-free paper to maximize your space. Then slide your PVC-free plastic sheets onto wooden dowels at regular intervals. Make sure there is no contact between the wood and your signed photos. Finally, mount your wooden dowels to the top of your safe or cabinet. This allows you to easily switch between your images without actually touching them.

Remember that not all plastic storage cases are created equal. PVC is quite heat sensitive, you should not put it in contact with your collectibles as it can damage them at higher temperatures. You must opt ​​for PVC-free plastic films, as other plastics can age, releasing harmful chemicals that can damage your photos. In severe cases, these chemicals can cause cracks in the image and even holes.

Make sure your plastic sleeves are sold as “archival” or “archival safe” and are made only of Mylar (polyester), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). Bags or wrappers made from cellophane (a thin, transparent film made from regenerated cellulose) are also safe, albeit significantly more expensive than safe plastic alternatives.

Use a photo box

An archival quality photo box is a simple yet effective way of storing your signed photos and vintage memorabilia. You can use these boxes to keep hundreds or even thousands of photos safe. Many archival boxes come with acid-free envelopes and compartments to keep your items safe. These photo booths can also feature metal reinforced edges for improved durability.

Beware of cheap scammers when buying archival boxes. Many photo booth products are sold today, but many do not contain archival quality materials. These cheap boxes can also contain plastic which, as mentioned earlier, can release toxic chemicals that will cause your photos to spoil prematurely, changing their appearance and reducing their value.

Keep this in mind when storing your photo booths or other containers for your keepsakes to keep an eye on the temperature. Moisture and moisture are your collection’s worst enemies. Keep your collection in a cool temperature below 75 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure the room is well ventilated.

Classic ring binder

You can use a classic ring binder to store your signed photos, just don’t stick

the pictures. Do not glue or tape them. As with previous storage materials, your folder should be made of acid-free paper and should not contain any sticky or sticky residue that could spoil the condition of your memorabilia.

Avoid using “peel and stick” binders that are widely used today. Although these binders can hold objects securely, their residues can trigger the lignin in the images to turn the paper yellow and brittle. These folders are usually made from cheap glues, plastics, and cardboard — materials that have nothing to do with valuable paper items like your signed photos.

If you are looking to create a photo album for your autograph collection, we recommend purchasing an acid-free magnetic photo album. Often these items are sold in set form and come with a binder, removable archival sheets, archival ink (for use on the archival sheets – not your image) and photo corners to reinforce faint edges.

Final Remarks and Tips

Tamino Autographs would like to give you some final advice on how best to store and present your valuable autograph photos. We recommend that you always wear cotton gloves when handling your autograph collection as the oils on your skin can adhere to the surface of your photos and damage them. If you intend to touch your memorabilia, wash your hands thoroughly first.

The natural oils and sweat on your skin can cause images to yellow or become dirty. Oils and sweat from your skin can also cause the ink to smudge the image, reducing the value of your autograph. If you’ve ever taken a Polaroid photo and just gently grasped the edges (not the center of the photo), you should use the same technique when holding your treasured autographed pictures.

We hope you find our ultimate guide to securely displaying and storing signed photos useful. We naturally follow our own advice when maintaining our inventory of signed paintings and precious memorabilia.

For more information on autographs for sale, we invite you to keep checking back with Tamino Autographs and our blog for updates. We now have a large selection of autographed photos in stock in our online shop. Check out what’s on sale now. We’re always adding more to our inventory.

ALSO READ:

Autograph frames done right – How to frame your autographs correctly

14 great picture frame ideas for your treasured collectibles

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4. If you have more stuff than space, display one grand object instead of two more humble pieces. If an item in your collection is very large, display it alone in another room as a focal point or conversation piece. Or you can group the collection, which looks attractive when done well. And if you have leftovers that you don’t have space for, pack them up and put them away for a while. In a few years, when you’re itching to redecorate, pull out those boxes and display your rediscovered treasures, this time putting other pieces away.

Simply put, a shadow box picture frame has at least one raised window mat that casts a shadow on the artwork, while a frame does not. In the sample photo shown here, the light blue mat is raised, casting a shadow on the child’s artwork below. And while there are other matting and spacing variations, this is the main difference between the two styles of picture frames. Referring to the same figure, many shadow box frames have one or more mats recessed into the bottom of the frame so the shadow is still cast but lower.

In fact, these particular picture frames are a hybrid of box frames and shadow box frames. Certainly this type of specialized picture frame has evolved from the days when shadow boxes were made almost exclusively for storing and displaying antiques, numismatics or militaria.

Today, many shadow box creations are made by individuals rather than picture frames. Craftsmen, DIYers and home decor enthusiasts imaginatively and skillfully craft, build and sew all sorts and types of objects inside the frame. A box frame, on the other hand, usually has no mat. In this other image shown below, no shadow is created by the matte because there is no matte:

The box frame is so named because unlike most picture frames or photo frame ledges, the side of the frame is taller, wider, or taller than the top. The box frame is essentially a shadow box frame without a mat. The pine box frame has the fitted glass raised at the top and the cover paper at the top where the artwork would be mounted. The pane of glass rests on wooden battens, but it can just as well rest on white or black foam boards.

With both a shadow box frame and a box frame, a wide variety of three-dimensional items and objects can be mounted therein. The height of the molding (the frame) determines how tall or tall an object can be framed. If you have a multitude or a particularly difficult or delicate or valuable item to be mounted or framed, a dedicated picture framing specialist who specializes in item framing may be best suited to the job. Of course, a specialized picture framer will charge for his work. If you prefer not to pay a framer to do this work and do it yourself, you can probably do that.

Many hardware and craft stores sell a variety of different sized shadow boxes. These tend to be fairly inexpensive and are often raw or unpainted so you can paint or spray paint them any color you want. Depending on where you get your shadow box frame from, it may also come with inserts or mats, allowing you to create a multi-shadow box with multiple depths and levels. To see a full range of shadow box frames and 3D photo frames, please visit our store category rectangular shadow box frames and 3D frames.

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Artists know that presenting their work is part of the entire creative process. Finally, the way a photo or artwork is presented adds to the overall impact of the entire piece.

Choosing a frame

A frame is more than just a piece of wood or metal that makes wall mounting easier. A frame is crucial to the final presentation of the artwork or photograph. The frame can help create the mood and style of the piece, making your work a masterpiece worthy of any wall. When many people think of frames, they picture the traditional wooden frame with mat and glass. In addition to traditional mat frames, Baboo Digital offers:

shadow boxing

Floating frames

metal frame

What is a float frame?

A floating frame, as the name suggests, is designed in such a way that the artwork appears to float within the frame; it is not pressed behind a pane of glass. Because of this illusion, viewers of your artwork gain a sense of three-dimensional depth when looking at the piece.

Floating frames come in a variety of sizes and depths, allowing you to further customize the presentation of your photo or artwork.

When should I use a floating frame?

A floating frame may be right for you if:

Want to maximize display space: Do you have limited wall space to display your pieces? A traditional frame and mat will increase the size of your piece, especially if the mats are 2+ inches per side. A floating frame is a good option for those short on space since the frame doesn’t add several inches to the piece.

Your piece is contemporary: float frames complement contemporary artworks very well.

The edges of your pieces are interesting: Are there any details or interesting edges and textures on the edges of your piece? If that’s the case, a float frame brings out those accents without losing them in a rimless frame or a frosted frame.

What can I display with a float frame?

Float frames are an exceptionally good frame choice for the following:

Gallery Wrap Canvas: The floating frame is securely attached to your piece on the back of the stretched canvas (via the support rods).

Gallery Plexiglas: In the case of Plexiglas, the frame is “front-mounted”.

Regardless of whether you are framing gallery wrap or gallery plexiglass, the framing never touches the actual surface of the print.

How do I assemble the floating frame?

Understandably, a major benefit of framing your work is the ability to easily hang it on gallery walls or client walls. Luckily, floating frames are also easy to hang!

Let us help you!

Do you have multiple artworks and/or photographs that need framing? Maybe you have some photos in your studio just waiting to be framed, or maybe you’ve printed some gallery slides but aren’t sure how to frame them? Maybe you’re just about to print a new series for a gallery and think float frames might be for you. Tell us your project and we can help you find the perfect floating frame for your artwork.

With a few materials and a little effort, you can easily make your own shadow box frame to display your favorite objects or artwork. First, measure the item you want to display so you can put the right materials together. Choose a thin sheet of plywood to use as a base and a thicker sheet of plywood to cut and shape the sides of the frame. Use wood glue to hold them in place and use nails to attach the sides of the frame. Use a wooden picture frame with the glass already attached to make a front panel. You can then paint it a color that makes your item stand out and you’re ready to display it!