How Long Do Tintypes Last? A Guide to Caring for Historical and Modern Images
I was digging through an antique store this past weekend, doing what I always do: scanning for tintypes, ambrotypes, and daguerreotypes tucked away behind dusty glass cases. I asked the shopkeeper if he had any, and he shook his head. "Not many lately," he said. "And the ones that come through aren’t going to last."
I didn’t push back, but I didn’t agree either. In fact, it’s just not true.
Well-made and well-preserved tintypes can last for centuries. Many of the tintypes and daguerreotypes I’ve collected are 150 to 180 years old and still look stunning. The same goes for ambrotypes. The key isn’t just how they were made, but how they’ve been treated since.
The Life of a Tintype Begins in the Darkroom
From the moment a tintype is fixed and washed, its longevity starts ticking. If the fixer isn’t properly washed off during development, it can leave behind residues that slowly darken or deteriorate the image. In short: neglect during processing leads to faster decay.
But if you take care in both development and storage, tintypes are incredibly stable.
Caring for Modern Tintypes
I send every client home with care instructions, because a tintype isn’t like a digital print. It’s a physical object with chemistry baked in.
For basic care:
Remove the image from its container once you get home.
If it gets dusty, lightly dust it with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Do not let it get wet.
And for the record, no, you shouldn’t feed it after midnight.
When it comes to framing:
I typically mount tintypes using small metal threads at each corner. You can find these in the jewelry-making section at Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, or Michael’s.
I use a "Sage" mat board for framing.
If you decide to frame yours, make sure the glass does not touch the surface of the image. Over time, direct contact may cause the emulsion to stick.
Caring for Historic Tintypes
With antique tintypes, less is more:
Never touch the image surface.
Dust can be removed gently using an air bulb, like the kind used for cleaning camera sensors or film negatives.
Always display or store the plate behind glass, but ensure there's a spacer or mat between the glass and the image.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture.
If unframed, store the tintype upright and avoid stacking it with others.
Caring for Daguerreotypes
Daguerreotypes are especially delicate due to their polished silver surface:
Never touch or wipe the image. Even the softest cloth can leave permanent damage.
Minimize their exposure to air since oxidation is a constant risk. Keep them sealed behind glass or in their original case, and when reframing or resealing, consider using archival tape such as Filmoplast P90.
Ensure that the image surface does not touch the glass directly. Use a mat or spacer to prevent contact and protect the plate from sticking or abrasion over time.
Avoid humidity completely.
If you need restoration or further advice, I highly recommend reaching out to a professional through the Daguerreian Society:
https://daguerreiansociety.org/
They also have an active and helpful Facebook group where you can ask questions and connect with experts.
Want to Learn More?
Here are some trusted sources for deeper preservation guidance:
Library of Congress: Care for Photographic Materials
https://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/photo.html
Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)
https://www.nedcc.org/photograph-conservation-at-nedcc/about
Getty Conservation Institute
https://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/books/preven_conserv_photo.html
Whether it's a tintype you had made last week or one taken during the Civil War, the secret to longevity is simple: care. Treat these pieces like the historical artifacts they are, and they'll outlast all of us.