Freezing RC paper long term

[mehguy]

How long can RC paper last in the freezer? Can it last 10+ years?

 

[Dave Krueger]

How long can RC paper last in the freezer? Can it last 10+ years?

I vote yes.

Unfortunately, I can't be more definitive than that because I've only been freezing paper for 5 years. Also, I don't intend to keep the paper frozen for 10 years. I keep at least a minimum 2-year supply in the freezer in case Ilford stops making the flavors and sizes I prefer (like MGIV or Cooltone) before I get too old to print. I use the oldest stuff first and restock as I use it.

But, I did a lot of research before I started doing it. Paper will probably remain relatively stable at least 5 years stored at a moderate room temperature/humidity, so you're half way there before a freezer even enters the picture. There is research on-line about archival film storage which is helpful. I seal all my paper (in original packaging) in Mylar foil bags and include a humidity indicator strip. I ruled out including a desiccant in the bag. The box the paper comes in acts as a humidity buffer over temperature. I also have a long term test package in the freezer that allows me to test for changes to the condition of sample paper caused by repeated freezing and thawing. I do not use a frost free freezer. I'm reasonably confident that my methods are sound, but I did the research years ago, so I don't have references to give you. In fact, you might find references on line that didn't even exist when I started freezing paper. I have had zero issues with the paper I've stored in the freezer and I think it would still be fine after ten years.

Here are a couple pictures of the freezer and the initial installment of paper. The inventory is larger now because I'm more fearful that Cooltone will be following MGIV into history. I store all the paper flat so the freezer had to be big enough to accommodate 20"x24" boxes.

I suspect you were interested in a more concise response, but I didn't really have a simple yes or no answer.

 

[randyB]

I have been freezing paper and film for 40+ years, the oldest paper I now have in the freezer is about 20 years old. My experience is mostly positive with a few problems, it seems that developer incorporated papers aren't stable enough to last for long periods of time in the freezer. I've had both Kodak and Ilford papers deteriorate to point of being unusable, fog and black spots. The failed paper was about 10 years in the freezer. Not all of my developer incorporated papers failed, it appeared to depend on the particular batch. I leave the papers in the original packaging and tape seal any opened boxes/packs.

 

[M Carter]

One note on freezing your paper - if you can break down a 50-sheet box into things like 10-sheet packages, it can save you from handling or doing the thaw/re-freeze cycle over and over.

 

[cowanw]

There may be some variability in outcome depending on the Radon levels of your storage place. in the long long haul.

 

[mehguy]

I vote yes.

Unfortunately, I can't be more definitive than that because I've only been freezing paper for 5 years. Also, I don't intend to keep the paper frozen for 10 years. I keep at least a minimum 2-year supply in the freezer in case Ilford stops making the flavors and sizes I prefer (like MGIV or Cooltone) before I get too old to print. I use the oldest stuff first and restock as I use it.

But, I did a lot of research before I started doing it. Paper will probably remain relatively stable at least 5 years stored at a moderate room temperature/humidity, so you're half way there before a freezer even enters the picture. There is research on-line about archival film storage which is helpful. I seal all my paper (in original packaging) in Mylar foil bags and include a humidity indicator strip. I ruled out including a desiccant in the bag. The box the paper comes in acts as a humidity buffer over temperature. I also have a long term test package in the freezer that allows me to test for changes to the condition of sample paper caused by repeated freezing and thawing. I do not use a frost free freezer. I'm reasonably confident that my methods are sound, but I did the research years ago, so I don't have references to give you. In fact, you might find references on line that didn't even exist when I started freezing paper. I have had zero issues with the paper I've stored in the freezer and I think it would still be fine after ten years.

Here are a couple pictures of the freezer and the initial installment of paper. The inventory is larger now because I'm more fearful that Cooltone will be following MGIV into history. I store all the paper flat so the freezer had to be big enough to accommodate 20"x24" boxes.

I suspect you were interested in a more concise response, but I didn't really have a simple yes or no answer.

Thanks for your insight. My motivations to freeze paper are similar, but really as a cost saving measure, as Adorama-branded paper is discontinued now and is on clearance, and I've bought two 250 paper boxes of 5x7 paper and intend to freeze one of the boxes. I don't print that very often, but this paper is a lot cheaper than even Arista.edu or Kentmere, so I've decided to stock pile it. A 3rd box with free shipping is definitely tempting....
I don't think I'll take as much as a precaution as you are with the humidity test strips etc. but I'll definitely use multiple layers of freezer bags and containers to prevent as much humidity as possible. I don't intend to continually freeze and thaw it, so hopefully my methods will be sound.

I have been freezing paper and film for 40+ years, the oldest paper I now have in the freezer is about 20 years old. My experience is mostly positive with a few problems, it seems that developer incorporated papers aren't stable enough to last for long periods of time in the freezer. I've had both Kodak and Ilford papers deteriorate to point of being unusable, fog and black spots. The failed paper was about 10 years in the freezer. Not all of my developer incorporated papers failed, it appeared to depend on the particular batch. I leave the papers in the original packaging and tape seal any opened boxes/packs.

That is good to hear. I think 5-10 years sound be enough time for me to finish off all this paper I've decided to buy.

One note on freezing your paper - if you can break down a 50-sheet box into things like 10-sheet packages, it can save you from handling or doing the thaw/re-freeze cycle over and over.

I may end up doing that because 250 sheets of paper is a lot.

 

[mehguy]

There may be some variability in outcome depending on the Radon levels of your storage place. in the long long haul.

I'll look into that thanks

 

[Don_ih]

Adorama-branded paper is discontinued now and is on clearance

That's not clearance - that's close to giving it away.

 

[mehguy]

That's not clearance - that's close to giving it away.

Yes, this is exactly what I'm saying. The paper is coated in the EU (I've read some speculate that the Agfa-spinoff InovisCoat produces it but that's not for certain) and the reviews on it indicate that it's a good quality paper.