How to Archive Glass Negatives

Glass plate negatives were used to produce photographs from 1851 to the 1920s. One side of these negatives contains a layer of emulsion, identified by a dull sheen when compared to the other side, which is shiny glass. Archive glass negatives using archival quality materials, including negative envelopes, boxes and padding. As long as the negative is not broken or the emulsion is not flaking, they are best stored in four-flap envelopes vertically on the long side in a box made to fit their specific size, usually 4 by 5 inches, 5 by 7 inches or 8 by 10 inches, with archival foam or cardboard spacers.

• 1

  Put the nitrile or surgical gloves on before handling the negatives. Acids and oils from the skin damage the glass and emulsion.

• 2

  Remove the glass negative carefully from the old storage container and inspect it to ascertain which side is the emulsion side, identifiable by the dull sheen. Hold only the edges of the glass plate during handling.

• 3

  Brush the glass side carefully with the soft brush to remove dust or debris. Set it on the clean, soft mat, with the glass side down.

• 4

  Brush dirt or debris from the emulsion side only if emulsion is not flaking from the glass.

• 5

  Transfer all relevant information from the old storage container to the outside of the four-flap envelope with the pencil before placing the glass plate negative inside. Do not write on the envelope with the negative inside.

• 6

  Place the glass plate on the four-flap envelope with the emulsion side against the middle section, then fold each of the four flaps carefully over the glass side.

• 7

  Clean the soft mat as needed before moving on to the next glass negative.

• 8

  Place the glass negatives vertically, on their long edge, in the archival storage box. Include a piece of archival foam or board that has been cut to size between each inch of glass negatives. This provides cushioning and stability.

• 9

  Label the box and include a cautionary note such as "CAUTION, FRAGILE, GLASS, and HEAVY," as advised by the National Archives.