8 Ways to Fix Water-Damaged Photos
When water damage from flooding due to natural disasters strikes, Don’t panic!
Nearly 65% of all customer support questions today at ScanMyPhotos are related to the epic New York City flooding. This is far from unusual, as the same questions arise after each hurricane and wildfire. While we have digitized and preserved one billion images, when disaster strikes, journalists and the national media reach out AFTERWARDS for advice on protecting pictures. The simple answer is to PLAN AHEAD.
The questions are all related. How can photos be restored to fix heavily damaged pictures due to water damage? Millions of pictures were wiped out and destroyed by the battering flash floods that hit Brooklyn and neighboring Queens, New York.
Whether they are damaged by a natural disaster, humidity, or severe contact with water, water-damaged pictures can be cured—ScanMyPhotos is an expert in digitizing and restoring pictures.
This scene from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy reminds everyone to be prepared and plan ahead. It is too late after the storm hits.
Accuweather: Protect Cherished, Irreplaceable Photos Before Natural Disasters. Imagine if your lifetime of irreplaceable photographs, representing a window on your family history, were all lost. The focus on this Accuweather profile explains why there is a 100% guarantee that pictures will not be lost if digitized.
Whether your house was flooded from storm surges or caught fire from a sweeping fire, your prized photos probably suffered from water damage. The first rule of handling water-damaged photos is don’t panic! You may be able to salvage many or all of your pictures. You might want to contact a photo conservation professional or consult a book on the subject, but here are a few tips:
8 Essential Tips for Restoring Water-Damaged Photos
- Act Quickly to Preserve Your Photos
Don’t let your cherished photographs dry out! When they begin to dry, they can stick together and to other materials, making it nearly impossible to separate them without causing potentially irreversible damage. Prompt action is crucial to ensure the best chances of recovery. - Get Started Immediately
Aim to begin the restoration process as soon as possible, ideally within two to three days. If possible, consider having a friend or a photo restoration expert scan your images before attempting to separate them. This ensures you have a digital backup of your precious memories. - Prepare Your Workspace
Create a dedicated space for your restoration efforts. While working on your photos, keep them submerged in a container filled with cold, clean tap water. The colder the water, the better! Avoid adding chlorine, but remember to change the water daily to help prevent fungal growth and other biological threats. - Rinse Carefully
Water plays a vital role in the restoration process. Rinse your photos in a container of cold, clear running water, being careful not to run the water directly onto the images. This could damage the chemical emulsion and cause permanent harm. Rinse until the runoff water runs clear. - Take Your Time
Be patient during this archival project. Gently remove your photographs or negatives from the water, taking out only a few at a time. Carefully pull them out of their wrappers and separate them without forcing. If they’re stuck, it’s better to return them to the water and try again later. Repeat this gentle separation and soaking process as needed, but understand that some damage may occur if materials are too bonded. - Keep Them Submerged
Once separated, store your photographs in water until you’re ready to wash them individually with cold, clean running water. If needed, use cotton balls, a soft cotton cloth, or a foam rubber brush to gently remove any foreign objects. Rinse each photograph or negative again after cleaning to ensure all residues are removed. - Hang-Dry Your Prints
For the drying process, hang your prints and negatives on a clothesline, ensuring they are protected from dust and other contaminants. You may also consider using special drying solutions that help facilitate uniform, spot-free drying when applied to negatives and slides. - Flatten Curling Prints
If your prints curl while drying, wet the paper side (not the emulsion side) with a moist sponge. Place each print between two pieces of acid-free paper or photo blotters, and apply a flat, heavy object on top for a day or two to flatten them out effectively.
