Chefneil

I have been going through some pf my parents things and found this photo of my Mothers' Navy class. This was taken in 1943. I am not sure of the location, but know it was someplace on the East Coast. I can give some more history on the photo, but that is not the reason for the post.

If you look closely you will see, on the right, some white smudges. Those smudges are actually paper fiber. It seems that at some point a moist piece of paper rested on the photo. I was able to lift some of the loose fibers off the image, but started to scrape off the emulsion. Then, I went to the local photo shop, Ball Photo, to see what they could do. Well, it seems that they would take a photo of the photo, like I just did and work on that. I can do that! I want to restore the original. And from the original work on restoring the photo in Photoshop.

Does any one out there have any suggestion as to how to remove the paper fibers?

olc

(Download)

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Find a darkroom, and put the photo in the wash for 1/2 hour, then dry MIGHT work. I know, "MIGHT" scares me too.

Chefneil

I have been thinking about using a Q-Tip with some kind of solution to release the fibers might work. But I am sure if what to use.

Mostly, I was wondering if any one knows about any services that are available.

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

One less destructive option is to digitally copy the original and restore it in Photoshop, or another PP program, and re-print it. I think a combination of the 2 suggestions above might work. A good soak in warm distilled water wouldn't hurt the picture and may allow you to then rub off the offending paper with a Q-tip. Dry the print on a screen to prevent curling.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Love vintage photos! I think you will have to moisten the affected areas. I would try something in the very outside margin of the photo as a test area so as not to further damage the emulsion and see what happens. The young lady in the center certainly "stands out".

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

Always back up an old photo with a copy just in case you destroy it trying to fix it. I would try a soak in photo flo solution. Let it soak about 5 or 6 hours and very gently rock the solution back and forth over the print letting the liquid gently wash the fibers away. I used this tech back years ago when I was in business and had good success. Be sure to wash the photo flo off when you finish and let the print dry slowly at room temp. Sandwich between two clean pieces of white cloth while drying. Don't get in a hurry, take your time and be gentle.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Archive restoration specialist? Maybe at a museum or university?

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

I have restored family photos clear back to photos on metal plates . If you can't get the paper off , and if you have as much talent as some of us do using a good program like PS CC . You should be able to repair all the areas I seen in this photo that need reworked , not just the paper areas . Good luck , Tommy