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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: wivell6 on Friday 05 February 21 06:44 GMT (UK)

Title: Photo damage from wood/coal smoke
Post by: wivell6 on Friday 05 February 21 06:44 GMT (UK)
I have a family photo from about 1927. It was always in a frame, but my uncle lived alone and always burned an old coal or wood stove. The picture wasn't burnt but has soot I think around it. I want to know if I can clean it, or if it can be cleaned and restored. It's in good shape other than that.

Thanks, Kelly
Title: Re: Photo damage from wood/coal smoke
Post by: Treetotal on Friday 05 February 21 11:05 GMT (UK)
Hi Kelly and welcome to Rootschat, I wouldn't attempt to clean the actually photo except to brush away any dirt with a soft brush, makeup of shaving brush would do, as long as you don't wet it as you could take off the coating. If you could scan it in colour at a resolution of 300dpi and in colour mode we can have a go at it for you.
Carol
Title: Re: Photo damage from wood/coal smoke
Post by: wivell6 on Friday 05 February 21 17:24 GMT (UK)
Ok I’ll give that a go if I can. It’s quite big so not sure I can scan it.  :o
Title: Re: Photo damage from wood/coal smoke
Post by: Gadget on Friday 05 February 21 18:39 GMT (UK)
Hi

If it's too big for your scanner, try scanning in two or more pieces with overlaps. I've done this for A2 up.photos and managed to match up. Also, maybe take a photo of it so that we can see what it should look like.

If all else fails a good photo of it might be the way to go.*

Gadget

*Add  Make sure that the camera and the photo are as parallel as possible if you have to do this.