Removing mega-dirt

[curtism]

Will the resident gurus please take a look at the attached files and offer advice on mitigating the dust, dirt and scratches in the original. I've been going around in circles with this one for four months. If I can't tone down the dirt it will never look better than mediocre if that.

Everything that I try looks like I've pushed the pixels too far. I'm open to any and all suggestions and, as always

Thanks in advance!

Curtis

[Cupcake]

Re: Removing mega-dirt

This is what I did:
I used the Mixer Brush tool (at Moist) in CS6
Used this on the white parts.

Then added some noise Then the frame.
added a frame.

[CPorter]

Re: Removing mega-dirt

I've repaired a couple photos with a similar problem. With those, I just go through with the healing brush. It's pretty tedious, but it keeps the photo from looking overly manipulated.

[curtism]

Re: Removing mega-dirt

@ Cupcake -- Thanks for the Mixer Brush tip. I'll give it a try later today. Have been jammed up since I started the thread so don't think I didn't appreciate your help. I always learn bunches from your replies on this forum.

@ CPorter -- I tried your suggestion before posting. Ended up looking smeared. It just screamed "Bad Job"! Could have been improper use of tool.

Thanks to both of you for the help. Hope that I can reciprocate.


Curtis