Make sure the glass on your scanner is as clean as possible to ensure the photo comes out clear. [1] X Expert Source Richard EngelbrechtProfessional Photographer Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
Increasing the brightness level can help brighten up a dark photo, or intensifying the contrast can bring out a washed-out, faded photo. Play with the color sliders to help remove unwanted tints. Save each version you create under a different file name so you can compare each version later and select the best restoration. Some photo editing programs have automatic settings you can use to fix the photos, while others require manual adjustments. [3] X Expert Source Richard EngelbrechtProfessional Photographer Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
Keep a window open of the whole photo so you can observe the changes as you make them.
If the photo turns red, yellow, or white while cleaning, this could be an indication that professional care is needed. The image may be too badly damaged to fix at home.
Purchase a bottle of distilled water from your local grocery store or pharmacy. Keep the water at room temperature, and pour it into a container that is large enough to submerge your photos. Place them with the image facing upward and let them soak in the water for 20 to 30 minutes. Use your fingers to gently slide the photographs apart, or use a rubber spatula to separate the images. Let them dry on a towel image-side up. Place a book or magazine along the edges so they do not curl as they dry. [7] X Research source
Fill a plastic storage bin with a couple of inches of room temperature water. Place a wire rack in the container, making sure that the top is not submerged. Place the photo on top of the rack, and close the chamber with the lid. Let it sit for several hours. Check on the photograph periodically and wipe away any beads of water on the photo. After a few hours, if the curls have relaxed, remove the photograph and let it dry face-up on a towel. Cover the image with blotting paper or parchment paper, and weigh the photograph down with a book as it dries.
Most professional services will work from a digital copy of the photograph, leaving the original untouched and safe. The restored photo and the original image will be returned to you.
Do not store photos in a hot attic or in a garage or basement where the images may come into contact with water. Keep your photographs in a temperature-controlled section of the house, like a bedroom or hallway closet.
Place a silica gel packet in the box to help offset any excess moisture.
