Can storing pictures in lab sleves lead to fading?

Hi, not sure what forum to put this in but this seem to be the best

fit. Anyway, I have always kept my photos in the paper sleeves that

the prints come back from the lab in since about 1998. I was

wondering if all of these (thousands) photos I have are going to be

alright in those sleeves with their negatives or should I start

moving them to archival binders?

 

Is the paper used in lab sleeves archival and acid free? I certainly

would hope so considering they are designed to hold photos. Also,

some of the photos are in those small 5x7 mini photo album books, I

was wondering if they were purchased wihtin the last 4 years if those

too are usually acid free; since they often don't say on the stickers.

If it doesn't say that it's acid free on the sticker, it probably isn't. Even the paper sleeves from the lab may not be truly archival. The nature of the business is that consumer operations care more about cost than about archival stability and such, which only a few of their customers even know to be concerned about. But I don't really know anything about the materials used, so this should all be considered opinion. Enjoy.

More than likely these sleeves (uaually glassine) are not archival. Most true

pro labs have archival sleeves and/or pages available, but you usually need

to request that your prints/film be put into this type. If the pages turn a

yellowish color then take the prints/film out right away.

Most lab sleeves are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, both of

which are relatively stable plastics, much more so than paper.