Photographic paper turning yellow...

[stric]

In the last few years most of my black and white (film) prints were made by a

reputable local camera store (National Camera and Video Exchange of

Minneapolis). Some of the prints are displayed around my apartment and many

aren't framed. I noticed that most of them are slowly turning yellow-brown (not

too much-just a little bit but enough to be noticed against the white frame

lines). In fact I really like the effect. I am wondering what causes this

transition from white to yellow-brown? Is it paper? If it is paper what kind of

paper has this property? Something else?

Thanks

[evan_goulet]

Usually this from acidic paper or exposure to UV light, or a combination of both.

[wickedmartini]

There are some other possibilities here depending on how the prints were processed. Are they printed on true black and white paper? Do you know if they were processed using an activation process rather than a standard black and white paper developer? You could also be seeing the effects of residual chemistry from poor washing or even an effect often called "silvering" which can be caused by poor fixing and washing. Do the prints start to show some texture on the surface? Is it fiber or RC paper? Sorry about all of the question but there are a few different possibilities here in my opinion.

[brucecahn]

Kodak Elite, a very expensive paper, used to turn yellow, but I only saw it on the back. If you like the effect why not get into toning?

[michael_briggs2]

Inadequate fixing, using exhausted fixer, inadequate washing are typical causes. Deterioration can be accelerated by storage factors: temperature, humidity, acid environment, pollutants (even new paint, etc.) Hopefully you still have the negatives and they were properly processed, because the prints may continue to yellow, perhaps eventually to a degree such that you won't like the effect.