Protecting a Photo

[RichieB16]

OK, I have a question for you guys-and I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

I have an autographed lithograph I want to protect but I'm unsure how to do so.  It is an 8x10in litho that has been signed with a thin black pen-I believe a fine tip Sharpie pen.  All I want is something to protect this for storage.  I have a large fire-proof gun safe where I plan on storing it.  So, it does not need to be visible.  I need some kind of acid-free non-damaging way to package this.  Could anyone point me in the direction of someone or something I could help me, I would really appreciate it.(maybe someone here collects rare paper things-documents or autographs or something and has experience in this).

[Scottler]

Head to your local photo store and look at some of their albums.  It's a bit much for just one picture, but it would leave you room to expand.  Most of the stuff you'll find in quality stores is acid-free.

[Rifleman]

You must realize, that if it is in fact a lithograph, it's not a photo.......it's a high quality print done on a printing press ....... still, you will want to protect the paper and the ink ..... the basic need is to protect the substrate (paper) and ink layers from UV light, and some form of acid free cover will usually suffice (Scott has given you a good start in securing this material).  Aging of the paper (yellowing) will probably occur in the long run, but I suspect at that time, you won't be here to worry about it.......