Common Framing Mistakes That Damage Family Photos Over Time

Published February 25th, 2026

Family photos and heirlooms carry more than just images or objects; they hold memories, stories, and connections that span generations. Preserving these treasures requires more than just placing them behind glass - it demands careful framing choices that protect their emotional and historical value. Unfortunately, common mistakes in framing can lead to irreversible damage, from fading and discoloration to physical deterioration. Understanding how to avoid these pitfalls empowers you to safeguard your cherished items for years to come. This guide explores the critical errors often made when framing family photos and heirlooms, offering insight into archival techniques and materials that ensure long-term preservation. By approaching framing with intention and care, you create a lasting legacy that honors the past while embracing the future.

Mistake 1: Using Non-Archival Materials And Why It Harms Your Memories

Archival materials are built for the long haul. In framing, archival and photo-safe mean the boards, mats, tapes, and sleeves are acid-free, lignin-free, and stable over time. They do not react with the photograph or artwork, and they do not shed chemicals into the piece as they age.

Non-archival materials do the opposite. Standard cardboard, wood pulp mats, and cheap backings contain acids and impurities. Over time, those acids migrate into the photo or document. That acid migration shows up as yellowing borders, brown spots, and a faint "ghost" line where the mat opening sits.

Discoloration is only part of the trouble. Non-archival materials contribute to brittleness. Paper fibers dry out, become fragile, and crack with light handling. Adhesives that are not photo-safe harden, stain, or fail, leaving dark patches or ripples on the image. Once that damage sets in, there is no easy way back.

Professional framers who take preservation seriously treat materials as mission-critical gear. At Lost Armadillo Emporium, archival mats, backings, and mounting methods are the default, not an upgrade. That approach supports long-term photo preservation instead of short-term decoration.

When you frame family photos, military certificates, or heirloom documents, ask direct questions about materials. Are the mat and backing acid-free and lignin-free? Is the mounting tape or hinge photo-safe and reversible? Those answers matter more than frame style. The right materials protect the story; the wrong ones quietly erase it over time. 

Mistake 2: Improper Matting That Can Lead To Photo Damage

Once materials are sorted out, the next weak link is often how the mat actually meets the photograph. Improper matting turns protective layers into a source of abrasion, staining, and warping.

The first problem is direct contact. When the mat window presses on the photo surface, it creates pressure points. Over time, that pressure leaves burnished spots, surface rub, or even transfers texture from the mat to the print. In humid conditions, the print can stick to the underside of the mat, so lifting it later tears the emulsion.

Material quality inside the mat matters as much as the visible front. Low-grade, wood pulp mats and backers off-gas acids and other byproducts into the print. Colored mats made with unstable dyes add another risk: those dyes can migrate, leaving a faint color halo along the image edge. Mats without a proper backing board sag or bow, which shifts the photo and creates uneven contact.

Best practice matting follows a few disciplined rules:

• Use acid-free, lignin-free, archival safe materials for both mat and backing.
• Build in a slight air gap between the mat window and the photo surface to avoid sticking.
• Size the window opening so it slightly overlaps the image, without pinching or stressing the paper.
• Support the photograph with a rigid, archival backing to prevent waves and buckling.

Professional framing services treat the mat as part of a full preservation system, not decoration slapped on top. Careful measurement, proper hinging, and correct spacing protect sentimental items from physical wear and chemical damage, and provide a stable, neutral home for long-term photo and document archival storage. 

Mistake 3: Overlooking UV Protection And Its Impact On Fading

Once the mat and backing are squared away, light exposure becomes the next threat. Ultraviolet radiation does not just brighten a room; it breaks down dyes, inks, and paper fibers. That breakdown shows up as washed-out colors, pale blacks, and a general loss of contrast. On older photographs and documents, UV exposure also accelerates brittleness and surface cracking.

Direct sunlight is the worst offender, but UV is present in daylight from windows and some interior lighting. Even a piece that never sees a sunbeam still accumulates exposure hour after hour. Protecting sentimental items means treating UV as a constant factor, not an occasional event.

Framing choices start with the glazing. Standard glass offers clarity but minimal UV filtration. Conservation-grade glass adds a clear UV-blocking coating that filters a high percentage of harmful wavelengths while keeping reflections low and color shift minimal. It suits framed pieces that stay in one spot and are not handled often.

Acrylic glazing changes the equation. It is lighter than glass, shatter-resistant, and available with strong UV protection. That makes it a solid option for large frames, high-traffic areas, or situations where impact resistance matters. Quality acrylic keeps visual clarity sharp, so skin tones, uniforms, and fine details stay true while the piece remains shielded.

Professional framers weigh exposure conditions, display location, and the fragility of the original when they recommend UV coatings. The goal is to balance long-term photo preservation with a clean, unobstructed view of the image. At Lost Armadillo Emporium, that evaluation includes practical questions about light sources, room layout, and handling so the glazing choice matches how the framed piece will actually live on the wall. 

Mistake 4: Neglecting Proper Frame Construction And Sealing

Even the best mats and glazing lose the fight if the frame itself is weak. Frame construction is the chassis of the whole preservation plan. Gaps, loose corners, and flimsy backings give dust, moisture, and pollutants an easy way inside.

Solid construction starts with rigid frame stock and tight, squared joins. Corners should lock together without daylight showing through. A stable, archival backing board sits flush in the frame, with no rattling or flexing when the piece is handled. That rigidity keeps the photo or document from shifting, bowing, or cocking in the frame over time.

Sealing is the next line of defense. An unsealed back behaves like an open window. Dust works its way in, humidity cycles through, and airborne pollutants settle on the back of the piece. Over months and years, that exposure encourages mold growth, stains, and insect activity, especially in warmer, damp environments.

A preservation-focused framer treats the frame back like a bulkhead. Common practices include:

• Using a solid, archival backing board that spans the full frame interior
• Securing the backing with stable hardware that does not loosen under normal handling
• Applying a perimeter seal on the back to limit air, dust, and insect paths
• Choosing hanging hardware that supports the frame without twisting or stressing the corners

Mass-produced frames often skip these steps. They prioritize speed and cost over join quality, hardware strength, and proper sealing. Custom framing for heirlooms adds that missing discipline, pairing good materials with careful construction so the environment inside the frame stays calm and predictable.

At Lost Armadillo Emporium, that mindset comes from years of military, classroom, and range work where details and repeatable process matter. Each frame is treated as a small preservation project, with construction, sealing, and hardware chosen to support long-term stability for framed family photos and documents. 

Mistake 5: Using Inappropriate Mounting Techniques

With the frame, mat, glazing, and backing working together, the last failure point is often how the piece is actually held in place. Mounting mistakes turn safe materials into a trap.

The most common problem is adhesive placed directly on the photograph or document. Pressure-sensitive tapes, glue sticks, spray adhesive, and rubber cement all seem convenient. Over time, they creep, stain, and harden. As they age, they shrink and pull, which leads to ripples, cracked emulsion, or outright tearing when someone tries to remove the piece. Even so-called "photo" tapes, if not conservation-grade, leave oily halos and dark patches that telegraph through the image.

Direct mounting to foam board or cardboard introduces another risk. When the artwork is fully glued down, it loses the ability to expand and contract with humidity changes. The paper tries to move, the board does not, and the result is buckling, cockling, or split fibers. Once a print is bonded like that, separation usually causes more damage than the original mounting error.

Conservation mounting uses methods designed to be strong enough to hold, yet reversible when future care demands it. Two standards dominate:

• Hinging With Archival Tape: Small paper hinges attach to the back edge of the photo or document, then to the archival backing. The hinges carry the weight, while the piece hangs naturally under the mat, free to move slightly with environmental shifts.
• Photo Corners And Sleeves: For especially fragile or irreplaceable items, archival corners or clear, photo-safe sleeves grip only the edges. The image itself stays untouched by adhesives, which reduces the risk of staining and tearing.

Professional framers trained in long-term photo preservation treat mounting as a precision task, not an afterthought. At Lost Armadillo Emporium, safe, reversible attachment is standard practice, so sentimental photos, certificates, and heirlooms remain secure in the frame without sacrificing their future. 

Mistake 6: Ignoring Environmental Factors When Displaying Framed Items

Once framing and mounting are handled, the surrounding environment becomes the quiet saboteur. Temperature swings, moisture, and light all stress paper, emulsions, and textiles over time. A perfectly built frame still loses ground if it lives in a harsh spot.

High humidity encourages mold growth, warping, and staining. Bathrooms, damp basements, and kitchens with frequent steam create microclimates that work moisture into the frame. Even sealed backs only slow that process. As humidity cycles, paper expands and contracts, mats bow, and hinges work harder than they should.

Heat introduces a different kind of strain. Walls above radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents stay warmer than the rest of the room. That localized heat dries paper fibers, accelerates adhesive aging, and speeds chemical reactions in inks and photographs. Over years, colors fade faster, and brittle edges appear sooner than expected.

Light exposure adds another layer. UV-filtering glazing reduces damage, but placement still matters. Direct sunlight through a window, or a bright spotlight aimed at one point, concentrates energy on the same area every day. That strips contrast from faces, uniforms, and handwritten ink, even with good conservation glazing in place.

Practical Placement Guidelines

• Avoid hanging heirlooms in bathrooms, over kitchen ranges, or on exterior walls prone to condensation.
• Keep framed pieces away from direct sunlight, skylights, and high-intensity spotlights.
• Use interior walls with stable temperatures, and keep frames clear of radiators, fireplaces, and vents.
• Maintain moderate indoor humidity with ventilation or dehumidifiers where needed.

During a framing consultation, professional guidance on conservation framing methods should include these placement choices, not just materials and hardware. A short conversation about how a room behaves through the seasons goes a long way toward keeping framed family photos and heirlooms steady for the long term, whether they hang in a quiet hallway or a lived-in family room in Cleveland Heights. 

Mistake 7: Skipping Regular Maintenance And Inspection

Once a piece is framed and hung, it is easy to forget that it still needs periodic attention. Frames age, environments shift, and small issues grow into permanent damage when they go unnoticed for years.

A simple inspection routine catches trouble early. Every few months, look over each framed photo or heirloom with steady, indirect light and a calm eye. Watch for:

• Moisture And Condensation: Fogging inside the glass, faint tide lines, or mold specks around the mat edge.
• Discoloration: New yellowing, dark spots, or color shifts that were not present in older memories or reference prints.
• Structural Looseness: Rattling glass, gaps at frame corners, or a backing board that flexes more than it used to.
• Surface Contamination: Dust, hair, or insects visible inside the frame, not just on the outside.

Cleaning needs the same steady-hand mindset. For glass or acrylic, use a soft, lint-free cloth and a cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, never directly onto the glazing. Liquid that seeps under the edge can wick into the mat or photograph and cause staining or adhesion. For the frame itself, a dry or barely damp cloth usually suffices. Avoid polish, solvents, or abrasive pads, especially on gilded, painted, or stained surfaces.

When a piece looks warped, fogged, or loose, forcing repairs at home risks more harm than good. Professional framers who work with archival safe materials are equipped to open frames without scratching emulsions, replace compromised components, and reseal the assembly. A short maintenance conversation or service visit extends the life of framed family photos and heirlooms far more effectively than waiting until something fails outright.

Framing family photos and heirlooms is more than just an aesthetic choice - it's a commitment to preserving your legacy for generations to come. Avoiding common mistakes like using non-archival materials, improper matting, inadequate UV protection, weak frame construction, unsafe mounting methods, poor placement, and neglecting ongoing care ensures your treasured items remain vibrant and intact. Investing in archival-quality mats, expert mounting, UV-filtering glazing, and sturdy frames creates a protective environment that stands the test of time. When you combine these technical details with thoughtful craftsmanship, your memories are not only safeguarded but beautifully showcased. For those in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, consulting with the certified framing professionals at Lost Armadillo Emporium offers a unique blend of artistic passion, military precision, and personal attention. Reach out to learn more about how expert framing can protect and elevate your family's most precious keepsakes today.