Choosing Archival Photo Corners: A Professional’s Procurement Checklist

Hi, I’m Alex Morgan, Lead Product Strategist at SENDA Stickers. In the world of professional archiving—whether for a national museum or a priceless family collection—there is no such thing as “good enough.” The materials that come into contact with an irreplaceable asset must be beyond reproach.

I’ve seen institutions spend fortunes on climate control, only to have a collection compromised by a poorly specified, seemingly insignificant component like a photo corner. The term “archival” is not a marketing buzzword; it is a rigorous, scientific standard.

For professionals and serious collectors who cannot afford to be wrong, this is the procurement checklist I share to ensure you are making a truly archival-safe choice.

The Professional’s Archival Checklist

When evaluating photo corners for any mission-critical project, your assessment must go beyond the surface. Here are the four non-negotiable criteria.

1. The Baseline: Certified Acid-Free & Lignin-Free

This is the absolute minimum entry requirement. It is not a feature; it is the price of admission.

• Why It Matters: Acid and lignin are the slow-acting poisons of the paper world. Over decades, they break down, causing the tell-tale yellowing, embrittlement, and eventual disintegration of your photographs. From my professional standpoint, any product not explicitly certified as both acid-free and lignin-free is immediately disqualified for archival use.

2. The Material Itself: Demand Chemical Stability

The paper or plastic the corner is made from is just as important as its pH level.

• What to Look For: For plastics, this means polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET). These polymers are chemically inert and will not degrade or release harmful chemicals over time. For paper, it must be from a high-quality, purified pulp. I’ve covered this in detail in my Guide to Photo Corner Materials.

3. The True Test: The Adhesive Must Pass the P.A.T.

This is the criterion that separates the truly professional products from the hobby-grade ones.

• What It Is: The Photographic Activity Test (P.A.T.) is a rigorous, standardized test (ISO 18916) that determines if an adhesive or material will chemically react with and damage photographs over time. It simulates decades of aging.
• Why It’s Non-Negotiable: An adhesive can be “acid-free” but still contain other chemicals that can cause staining or fading. Passing the P.A.T. is the only scientific guarantee that the entire product is safe for long-term, intimate contact with your photos. At SENDA, this is a core part of our quality assurance for all our archival photo corners.

4. The Supplier: Choose Archival Specialists

In my experience, the source of the product is a critical indicator of its quality.

• What It Means: Purchase from manufacturers and suppliers who specialize in archival materials. These companies (like ours) stake their reputation on the scientific validity of their products. They understand the stakes and typically provide clear, transparent technical specifications.

Why This Standard is Non-Negotiable for Institutions (And Your Heirlooms)

Museums, libraries, and government archives adhere to these strict standards because they are the custodians of history. Their mission is preservation in perpetuity.

But I argue that the same professional-grade care should be applied to your own irreplaceable assets. Your great-grandmother’s wedding portrait, your family’s immigration documents, your child’s first photograph—these are, to you, as priceless as any museum artifact. They deserve the same level of scientifically-backed protection. Using a lesser, unverified product is a risk that is simply not worth taking.

For a complete strategy on protecting these assets, refer to our Definitive Guide to Photo Preservation.

Make the Right Procurement Decision

Choosing archival photo corners is not a craft supply purchase; it is a procurement decision for the long-term safety of your most valuable assets. By using this checklist, you can move beyond marketing claims and make an informed, professional choice.

If you are responsible for a collection—large or small—and require assistance in specifying the correct materials for your project, our team of specialists is here to provide guidance.

[Contact us for a complimentary consultation on your archival material needs.]