I'm not sure where to post this, so if it should be moved to a more appropriate forum, I ask the mods to do so.

I am Class of 1989. I had my diploma framed shortly after receiving it at a Michael's store. It's a basic frame with a matte. I don't recall the materials used - acid-free matting, UV protection, or any of that kind of thing. But I've noticed that the diploma itself has yellowed. As a contrast, I have my deceased Dad's diploma (earned in 2005 as a retiree who went back to finish college) hanging on a nearby wall, and that diploma looks much more white than mine.

Is there anything that I can do to restore my diploma to its original color?

I also wonder if this is just a natural occurrence with the quality of paper used for diplomas. Or perhaps I got a crummy frame done for my diploma.

Mine has been framed since 1986 and has not yellowed.

I have to ask...

Do you smoke? Possible air quality issue?

satexas said:

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I have to ask...

Do you smoke? Possible air quality issue?

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No smoking ever. Nothing unusual I know of regarding air quality.

Likely depends on the light source it's been around for decades now.

bthotugigem05 said:

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Likely depends on the light source it's been around for decades now.

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Agreed. UV light can be quite damaging to documents over time.

OP, if you have the diploma in a direct path to sunlight like from a large window or have older non LED lights, UV damage will develop over the years for sure. Which is sun bleaching, or breaking down of inks, and also yellowing of people. In addition to making it more brittle. They do make UV filtering films you can place over frame glass or windows themselves.

Eliminatus said:

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bthotugigem05 said:

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Likely depends on the light source it's been around for decades now.

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Agreed. UV light can be quite damaging to documents over time.

OP, if you have the diploma in a direct path to sunlight like from a large window or have older non LED lights, UV damage will develop over the years for sure. Which is sun bleaching, or breaking down of inks, and also yellowing of people. In addition to making it more brittle. They do make UV filtering films you can place over frame glass or windows themselves.

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I have a "niche" located at the top of the stairs that I call my "Aggie Niche". I painted it maroon and then hung my diploma, Century Club plaque, and my acceptance letter in there, along with a collection of mini-helmets and a couple of team-signed balls from the '94 squad. It is not in direct sunlight. There is not inset lights inside the niche frame either.

With its location at the top of the stairs, it is near one of the recessed light fixtures that are located at various points along the high ceilings we have (and are a major pain in the ass to change dead bulbs). But it's not getting any direct light from that recessed light fixture.

I'll see about getting the UV filtering film, although at this point the damage has already started.

Shortly after I married my wife, my mom offered to frame hers similar to how mine was. Her diploma was in bad shape, so we ordered a duplicate from https://aggie.tamu.edu/registration-and-records/transcripts-and-diplomas/duplicate-diplomas. I was a little hesitant considering the president that originally signed hers was no longer at A&M. When it came in, you really couldn't tell the difference between the original and the duplicate.

Thanks! I had no idea this was an option.