ISO 18902-2013 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18902:2013 — Imaging materials — Processed imaging materials — Albums, framing and storage materials. This International Standard specifies principal physical and chemical requirements for albums, enclosures, framing and other storage/display materials to minimise chemical or physical damage to processed or printed imaging materials over time.

Abstract

ISO 18902:2013 defines requirements for materials used in contact with photographic and digital prints and negatives (paper and paperboard; plastics; metals; writing instruments; adhesives; tapes; self‑adhesive labelling; stamping inks and pads; framing and glazing components). It applies to traditional silver‑halide and silver dye‑bleach materials as well as dye‑ and pigment‑based inkjet, dye‑diffusion thermal transfer and electrophotographic prints, with the objective of preventing staining, transfer, fading or other damage during storage and display.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed on review and currently in force).
• Publication date: 2013-07 (Edition 3, 2013).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.20 (Photographic paper, films and plates).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2013).
• Number of pages: 9 (ISO published pagination).

Scope

The standard specifies principal physical and chemical requirements for album, storage and framing materials intended to be used with processed imaging materials so as to avoid adverse reactions and deterioration. It covers a broad set of material classes (papers/boards, plastics, metals, adhesives, inks, tapes and glazing) and addresses compatibility with a range of print and negative technologies; it does not prescribe detailed design or mechanical durability of storage/display products.

Key topics and requirements

• Physical and chemical criteria for papers and paperboard used in albums and mounts (acid/alkali reserve and related factors affecting permanence).
• Requirements for plastic housings, sleeves and interleaving films to prevent transfer, blocking and off‑gassing damage.
• Guidance on metals and metal components (corrosion/passivation concerns where in contact with images).
• Limits and recommendations for writing instruments, stamping inks and pads to avoid staining or chemical interaction.
• Acceptable adhesives, tapes and self‑adhesive labelling materials (compatibility and permanence considerations).
• Framing and glazing material guidance for safe display of reflection prints and negatives (material selection to reduce harmful interactions).
• Applicability to a range of image technologies including silver‑halide, dye‑sublimation, inkjet and electrophotographic prints.

Typical use and users

Used when specifying or selecting archival‑quality albums, sleeves, mounting boards, glazing and framing components for photographic collections. Typical users include conservators, archivists, collections managers, museum and library procurement teams, photographers and print labs, custom framers, and manufacturers of storage and framing materials. The standard is commonly used to inform product specification, procurement and testing for museum and archival collections.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents in the imaging permanence/storage family include ISO 18916 (Photographic activity test for enclosure materials), ISO 18911 (storage practices for processed safety photographic films), ISO 18918 and ISO 18920 (print/plate storage practices), ISO 18913 (vocabulary for permanence) and other ISO 189xx series standards addressing media storage and testing. These complementary standards guide testing methods, terminology and environmental/storage practices.

Keywords

albums, archival storage, photographic storage, framing, glazing, enclosure materials, adhesives, inks, plastic sleeves, paperboard, imaging materials, ISO 18902, permanence, conservation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18902:2013 is an International Standard that sets out principal physical and chemical requirements for albums, framing and storage materials used with processed imaging materials to reduce the risk of damage over time.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers material classes (paper/paperboard, plastics, metals, adhesives, tapes, inks, labelling materials and glazing/framing components) and their compatibility with conventional photographic and various digital print technologies to prevent staining, fading, transfer or chemical attack.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Conservators, archivists, museums and libraries, photographic labs, custom framers, storage/material manufacturers and procurement specialists who need to specify or evaluate materials for long‑term storage and display of photographic and digital prints.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Edition 3 (ISO 18902:2013) is the current published edition; the 2007 edition was withdrawn when the 2013 edition was published. The 2013 edition was reviewed and confirmed (remains current) during ISO’s periodic review process.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18902 belongs to the broader ISO 189xx family of standards on imaging materials, permanence and storage (work maintained by ISO/TC 42). It is used alongside related ISO documents that cover testing (for example ISO 18916) and storage practice guidance for various media.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Albums; archival storage; enclosure materials; framing; glazing; adhesives; inks; plastic sleeves; paperboard; photographic activity; imaging materials; permanence.