Photo damage by water leak

nryanphx · Apr 26, 2009

I have a family photo that was damaged two days ago when our hot water tank leaked. There was another photo on top of this one. The paper from the top photo has adhered to the family photo. How do I get the paper off? Since this photo is about 60 yrs. old, I asume it was developed and rinsed in a water-bath. Could I wet the photo enough to loosen the paper from the top of the image?

dxqcanada · Apr 26, 2009

Yes, I would think you could do that.

The emulsion from the photo got wet, then dried, which then adhered to the photo above it.
If you put the photo's in a water bath it should soften the emulsion and hopefully it will release from the top photo's paper backing.

nryanphx · Apr 26, 2009

Is plain water OK? I have no experience with this.

dxqcanada · Apr 26, 2009

Yes, that will do.

I have heard some suggest to use warm water.

You may have to let them soak for a while.

nryanphx · Apr 26, 2009

I will try one of the smallest photos first. Thanks so much!!

nryanphx · Apr 26, 2009

It worked. I soaked the photo in a tub of warm water. I used a gentle scrubber to remove the adhesive from the other paper. Now, how do I dry it so it doesn't warp?

TwoRails · Apr 26, 2009

Very interesting. I'll have to remember this trick if / when I ever need it

dxqcanada · Apr 26, 2009

You could hang dry on clips ... and clip weights on bottom to keep from curling.

When semi-dry you can take a low heat iron to do the final flattening/drying (iron on the paper backed side), put the image side on a very smooth surface ie glass or metal sheet.

You might want to ask others in the Darkroom Forum section.

dxqcanada · Apr 26, 2009

I forgot to add ... if they are still curly ... this is what I used to do when I printed on Fibre based paper; when prints are dry ... sandwich in a very thick book.