What Is a 'White Sheet' Autographed Photo?

If you’re serious about autograph collecting, it’s crucial to know the difference between authentic signed photos and cheap “white sheet” autographs that fade fast and hold little value. Learn how to spot these so you don’t get stuck with worthless inkjet prints.

Many newer and inexperienced in-person autograph collectors rely on so-called ‘White Sheets’—usually because they’re unprepared, inexperienced, cheap, lazy, or simply don’t care about their customers.

A ‘white sheet’ photo is a blank piece of inkjet photo paper that has a celebrity’s autograph first signed on it—usually in blue Sharpie, since most other colors don’t show well. Later, the collector loads the sheet into an inkjet printer and prints a photo over the autograph. Somehow, this process doesn’t damage the signature itself.

These ‘white sheets’ are then sold to unsuspecting collectors. The autograph is authentic, but it’s printed on cheap inkjet paper with a very short lifespan. Inkjet prints can start fading quickly—sometimes within a month—depending on paper and ink quality. They’re cheap and low-quality. I once overheard a collector admit he wouldn’t be in the business if it weren’t for white sheets. Is that the kind of person you want to trust?

Imagine one day looking at your prized—and likely expensive—autographed photo only to see it faded away, leaving just a signature on a blank, faded piece of paper. I know I’d be devastated.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Always ask the seller if the signed photo is a ‘white sheet’ or inkjet-printed photo. Make sure they confirm it’s a genuine photo lab developed print. Check what’s printed on the back of the photo. Most lab-developed photos say something like “Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper,” “AGFA Professional,” or “Kodak Paper.” (Be careful: Kodak also makes inkjet paper.) Inkjet or white sheet papers often have a blank back, which is a red flag.

Fortunately, many celebrities don’t like signing white sheets, and word is spreading around Hollywood. Hopefully, this practice will end soon. Meanwhile, do your part—don’t buy these. When collectors stop selling them, the practice will die out.

I’ve included some scans below showing the backs of real lab-developed photos for your reference.

Examples of the back of real lab-developed photos:

Fujifilm:

Fujifilm (older):

Kodak:

Kodak (older):

AGFA:

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to spot and avoid ‘white sheet’ autographed photos and invest wisely in authentic, long-lasting collectibles.

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