My Memory Lane

Is regular paper harmful to photo paper? Can i keep photos on reg. paper in my albums?

I bought a hallmark photo album, and on the package it said 'to keep photos lasting long and to keep them from damage keep them away from regular paper, newspaper etc'. So if i have a page of regular paper in my album and a picture on it, it will hurt the picture? It doesnt make sense to me that regular paper could damage a picture in any way. The paper is Hammermill, Multipurpose paper, and it says its acid free. so is that ok for it to touch my photos?

Public Comments

1. I am guessing that any ink on the paper could bled through the back of the photograph over time and seep through. If you really want the two together, try scanning the original photo and print it out on ordinary copy paper and then place it in the album.
2. Why not buy a pack of photoprinter paper or card stock (matte photoprinter paper is just card stock marketed to those who dont realize its the same thing) to print your pics on? Your pic will look better on the heavier paper, anyways. Ever notice how on reg paper it looks kinda wrinkled, like it has gotten wet? This wont happen on photoprinter or heavier card stock paper. And yes, the worry is ink bleeding or transferring from the regular paper. Reg paper in and of itself will not hurt the pics on photo paper that were printed, its all a concern of the ink.
3. "regular" paper contains acid. You need to store your images with "acid free" paper.
4. The simple answer to your title question is YES. Regular paper can be harmful to photos. Hammermill paper is not regular paper; however, because, as you state, it is acid free. It is the acid content found in regular paper that reduces the life expectancy of objects associated with it. If your photos turn out to not be long lasting- it won't be the fault of your paper. Do a little more research regarding the dyes and pigments you are using in your photos. They are going to be determining factor.