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how to rehab old photos that have curled up

by Mr. Skye Ruecker Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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When you've uncurled the photo, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on top of the image. Fold the extra bit of blotting paper over the wax paper to cover it. Place a heavy book or some other heavy objects on top of the photo. Keep the photo like this for a few days so it can dry.Nov 14, 2020

How to smooth out a photo on a tissue?

Use a steam iron on a low setting and gently press down on the top layer of the tissue. Work back and forth slowly and with a light-handed touch to smooth the photo.

How to flatten a photo?

Another way to flatten a newer photograph is to hang the photo from a line and place a pot of boiling water beneath it. The steam helps to smooth out the photo. Place the photograph in between paper towels with a book on top to flatten. Curled-up photographs can be flattened before being placed in a photo album or frame.

Why do people keep pictures?

Many people keep photographs to remind them of happy memories and special occasions. If not cared for properly, photographs can crack and curl. Restoring your older photos requires more cautious care, while newer photos can be restored more easily. If there is not too much damage, you can restore your photos in the convenience of your own home.

What degree does Tracy Moore have?

Tracy Moore holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in graphic design. She has extensive experience using graphics software in her professional and personal life. She also writes a column for a local newspaper on the latest technology developments.

Old Photographs

The older the photograph, the more care that needs to be taken in uncurling it. Old print techniques were often based on the layering of materials and print. If you try to flatten the photo , you can crack it or even find yourself holding pieces of your once treasured photo.

Newer Photos

If the picture appears to want to uncurl without damaging the print, it may be possible to put it in an envelope and feed it through a laser printer one direction and then another until the image flattens. The laser printer will heat the photo, and the printer feed will help the picture return to its normal flat condition.

Caution

The older the photograph, the more apt you will be unable to return it to its full previous glory. Consider contacting a family member instead and making a copy of their print. Another good preventive feature is to keep a copy of all treasured photos digitally. Place the copy in a safe deposit box or leave it with a trusted friend or relative.

How to preserve old photos?

If you have an old photo you want to preserve, try to flatten the curled edges. Fold a sheet of wax paper over the picture to protect it from sticking, then insert it into the middle of a thick book. Place the book on a bookshelf where the books are tight. After several weeks, the photo should be flat again. Place the photo on an ironing board, ...

Who is Jennifer Gibbons?

Jennifer Gibbons is a freelance writer in Florida. She has been writing professionally since 2001 and her work has appeared in magazines such as "Senior Living" and "Mature Lifestyles.". She is working on a Bachelor of Arts at State College of Florida with a major in mass communications. Gibbons is also a professional photographer ...

How to make a photo feel softer?

When you think the photo feels softer and flexible remove it from the box supporting it with both hands and place it on the blotting paper. Gently ease open the rolled image. If it resists or starts to crack, it needs more moisture. Return it to the humidification chamber.

What happens when you flatten a photo?

When forced flat, the paper often cracks every few inches damaging the photograph. If you try to look at the photo a few inches at a time, carefully handling the paper as though you were reading an ancient scroll, it’s hard to get the “big picture” of what’s going on.

How long does it take for a photo to dry out?

It may take a few days for your photograph to dry out completely. Check it occasionally. Remove the parchment paper and let the blotting paper absorb more moisture. Give it enough time to become very very flat.

Can you capture family photos with everyone smiling?

If you’ve ever tried to capture a family photo with everyone smiling at the same time, you know the exquisite torture of group photography. Some wise-guy pulls the rabbit-ears trick at the last minute, or crosses his eyes, or yanks someone’s hair. That’s why I love those long tightly-rolled panorama photos often found cast aside in family collections. You can usually spot a goofy grin, a secret wink or a wayward hand. It’s a second of social history captured by lens and film.

Adding the Image to Your Computer

Use a high resolution setting on a camera or scanner to capture a digital image.

Cropping the Borders

If borders are ragged, use the Crop tool represented by an icon that looks like a square where the sides continue past the borders.

Removing Dust and Scratches with Spot Healing

Go to the Spot Healing tool represented by a band-aid on the control panel.

Erasing Lines or Cracks With Clone Stamp Tool

Create a duplicate layer of the working layer by clicking Layers > Duplicate Layer.

Recreating Lost Shadows Using the Burn Tool

Select the Burn Tool represented by an icon that looks like a hand where the fingers and thumb are making an ‘O’.

Saving Your Work and Exporting Your Photo

Go to File > Save to save the file as a Photoshop project. This retains the original integrity of the file in case you want to do any further adjustment.

What is fixthephoto?

FixThePhoto has been offering photograph restoration services since 2003 and can help you save even severely damaged images. Our photo restoration services may be classified according to the type of image restoration needed or according to the intensity of the damage.

Can scratches ruin old photos?

Spots, scratches and other visible blemishes can totally ruin your old photos. Order FixThePhoto picture restoration services and we will remove them from your photos, fill in empty areas, and perform overall color correction to give each object an accurate look.

How to flatten old curled photos

I have some b&w photos that have "curled" by age etc. Is there some way to safely flatten them so I can mount them flat?

Re: How to remove the "curl" in old b&w photos

When you say "mount them" are you meaning temporarily whilst you photograph them, or permanantly as in a frame?

Re: How to flatten old curled photos

Not tried this with old photos but have with special order prints that have curled (usually due to moisture) so unsure if it's suitable.#N#I covered the printed surface with paper (for small ones that tissue-esque stuff that is over the colour plates in old books) and then added weights (large books, lots of 'em) and left for a few days.

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