How do I clean old gruby photographs?

Lady_K

I want to scan some old photos that have not been kept in glass frames over the years some are really grubby and wouldnt scan very well. Does anyone know what to clean them with without damaging them? Most of them are a gloss finish but there may be some matt if that makes any difference

15lsp

ive just restored an old, very ripped and creased photo for my mum in photoshop... she loves it now! Photo places will be able to restore them for you.

Lady_K

Thanx but this is just grubby with fingermarks and dust I'm just wondering if theres anything to clean it with so it will scan nicely

moneysaver

You can use soft cotton wool & clean water. Always take the finishing strokes to the end of the photo so as not to get streaks. Leave to dry naturally or use a hairdryer but dont get too close with it or you will burn photo.


Moneysaver

Lady_K

Thanx, the water worked quite well and its scanned nicely

Contains_Mild_Peril

I'm glad that worked well. I would also advise anyone planning on cleaning photos (or naegatives) to scan them first, just in case something goes wrong when cleaning, though careful application of clean water shouldn't do any harm. If there are stubborn marks that won't go away, Photoshop is your saviour!

Lady_K

Contains_Mild_Peril wrote:

I'm glad that worked well. I would also advise anyone planning on cleaning photos (or naegatives) to scan them first, just in case something goes wrong when cleaning, though careful application of clean water shouldn't do any harm. If there are stubborn marks that won't go away, Photoshop is your saviour!

Thats a good point I will remember that next time