Extreme Temperatures - Best Solutions for Paper & Chemical Storage

[ozphoto]

As some of you may have heard, Australia has been having some unbelievably hot weather this past week and although it's a "typical" summer, it got me thinking about paper and chemical storage. In the past, it has been stored in the darkroom (insulated, but not ideal), but this is not great when the figures hit the 40s/100s.

I'm currently rebuilding my darkroom in the gargae, and the paper I have, was moved indoors to protect from the 47C/117F temperatures Adelaide just experienced. Once the space is completed though, I want to store my paper (and chemicals) in the best way possible to protect from these continuing outrageous summers.

So how do you all store your various papers and chemicals? Fridge? Freezer? Something else? I do freeze my film stocks but have never frozen paper, or even kept it refrigerated. Would this help or hinder its lifespan and usability?

 

[MattKing]

People who print colour routinely refrigerate their paper. Some even keep it frozen.
It is always a good idea to protect photographic paper from extremes of high temperature and humidity.

 

[ozphoto]

People who print colour routinely refrigerate their paper. Some even keep it frozen.
It is always a good idea to protect photographic paper from extremes of high temperature and humidity.

If one was to freeze paper (B&W) what time frame would be needed to thaw it? And given that I purchase in boxes of 100, would freezing/thawing/refreezing be a concern?

Looking like I may need to purchase a small fridge for paper storage . . .

 

[Alan9940]

I live in the desert Southwest of the USA and we get pretty hot summers, too. I keep all my chemicals-- liquid and powder ( mix most things I use myself)---in a small fridge that maintains about 50F. I freeze all film and paper and, contrary to what I've heard over the years, I think nothing of thawing/using/then refreezeing. All film and paper are kept in plastic freezer bags and I thaw over night. Been working this way for nearly 40 years without issue.

 

[MattKing]

If one was to freeze paper (B&W) what time frame would be needed to thaw it? And given that I purchase in boxes of 100, would freezing/thawing/refreezing be a concern?

Looking like I may need to purchase a small fridge for paper storage . . .

I would reference the technical publication for the current Kodak colour paper when I considered this: http://imaging.kodakalaris.com/sites/prod/files/files/products/paper-endura-techpub-e4070.pdf
And here is the 1996 Kodak publication on storage and care of materials (including the then current Kodak black and white printing paper?): https://125px.com/docs/techpubs/kodak/e30-1996_06.pdf

 

[ozphoto]

Thanks Alan & Matt, you've both helped enormously with the subject at hand!

 

[Alan9940]

Nanette,

I forgot to mention that I do only B&W. Therefore, my comments are directed strictly to those materials.

 

[ozphoto]

Thanks Alan - I only print B&W also, so no worries there.

 

[JohnC]

Hello Nanette,
beware of the risk of softened emulsions if you wash water temp is high. . Scratches and gouges in prints when washing, and you wouldn't be the first to wipe part of a neg into a wavy blob.
JohnC

 

[Nokton48]

I bought the largest upright deep freeze I can find, to store film and paper. It's in the studio in the basement. No problems here with freezing, thawing and refreezing.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

As some of you may have heard, Australia has been having some unbelievably hot weather this past week and although it's a "typical" summer, it got me thinking about paper and chemical storage. In the past, it has been stored in the darkroom (insulated, but not ideal), but this is not great when the figures hit the 40s/100s.

I'm currently rebuilding my darkroom in the gargae, and the paper I have, was moved indoors to protect from the 47C/117F temperatures Adelaide just experienced. Once the space is completed though, I want to store my paper (and chemicals) in the best way possible to protect from these continuing outrageous summers.

So how do you all store your various papers and chemicals? Fridge? Freezer? Something else? I do freeze my film stocks but have never frozen paper, or even kept it refrigerated. Would this help or hinder its lifespan and usability?

a basement or indoor living space typically provide an adequate environment for paper and chemicals year round. wherever people are comfortable, darkroom supplies will be too

 

[jim10219]

I inherited a bunch of paper that was kept in a garage. It was useless. The cold is probably fine, but the high heat and humidity will quickly destroy it. I also received some paper that was kept in a closet for 10 years. It's heavily fogged, but not completely ruined. I'd say buy an old fridge to store it if you're gonna keep it long term, or keep it in the house if you plan on using it within a year or two.

I've never had an issue freezing and thawing film.