Photo Retouching - - Damaged Polaroid

Cassie · #1 11-28-2007, 08:37 AM

I have an old (1970's) polaroid photo that has paper stuck to the image. Can the paper be safely removed? If so, how? Thanks!

RokcetScientist · #2 11-29-2007, 05:31 AM

Dunno, Cassie. But if the photo is useless now you have little to lose, so I would try carefully applying steam (not the heat, but the moisture!). It will take some time (IF it works).

Good luck!

jadams007 · #3 11-29-2007, 12:40 PM

i agree, maybe one of those humidifiers or something.

crazyfly1 · #4 11-29-2007, 09:30 PM

Hi, I can't credit the origional poster but somewhere on this site I saw that if you stick it in the microwave for like 4 seconds and try to peel a bit and then again for another for...and so on. I don't know if it works but we have some family photos that were damaged in a flood and I can't wait to try it out.

jadams007 · #5 11-30-2007, 07:54 AM

i don't know if I'd try that with a polaroid.

Sweetlight · #6 12-06-2007, 10:06 AM

I have quite a bit of experience with Polaroid prints, transfers, lifts, etc. If it's the pack film style (the type you peel apart), you can soak the entire print in room temperature water (water only) after it sits a while see if the paper is lifting, if so you can softly help nudge it. Most likely some of the dried slime is still on the print. By slime, I mean that nasty smelling developer that was used, if so it will get slimy all over again and the paper will roll off. If it does not get slimy you can continue your soak, aiding gingerly (nice word huh

, gingerly), in the removal of the paper. It will eventually lift off. Lay your print on a screen or something similar to air dry. It may appear mottled or off color but that will go away as it dries again. Good luck, give me a shout if you need more info and let me know it went okay.

Chris