Help - photos stuck together

[Deleted User]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this (?) I've found a small pile of old (colour) photos in a drawer and they're all stuck together. I wondered if anyone knew any way of separating them without ruining them?

Thanks.

Newusername1

Is it ok to ask what the photos that are stuck together are of?

camelot1001

Can you try gently steaming them?

[Deleted User]

Newusername1 wrote: »

Is it ok to ask what the photos that are stuck together are of?

Interesting question! I'm assuming you mean why don't I just chuck them in the bin? They're of a really nice day out about 15 years ago and involve a friend who is no longer around, so I would really like to be able to rescue them.

Newusername1

There are pictures I remember from the past (long past) but they (the pictures and the people) are all gone now, its a shame, the last 'pictures' I have are all from my wedding five years ago and that was a disaster. I keep photos now on my IPhone. Hope you recover the pictures of you and your friend. Sorry no advice on how to recover them.

Sayschezza

I don't think putting them into water will hurt as isn't water part of the developing process

surveyqueenuk

Sayschezza wrote: »

I don't think putting them into water will hurt as isn't water part of the developing process

It seems to be the recommended advice

http://www.diyphotography.net/save-old-photos-stuck-together/

HTH

[Deleted User]

Just wanted to thank those who had replied and to report back on the results - in case anyone has this problem in the future.

I decided to go ahead and soak them in lukewarm water - some of them came apart easily, but i probably left others in too long because the actual photos started to disintegrate and leave little bits in the water (I'm talking hours here). In the end, I had to be a bit brutal and slowly pull them apart - most of them were fine, although as they dried they did curl up but I've put them between the pages of books, between kitchen towel, and hope this will straighten them out.

So mainly - a success :T