How can I flatten curled photo prints for scanning?

Asked 2/8/2018

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I’m digitizing old small photo prints that are badly curled, which makes it difficult to keep them flat and aligned on a flatbed scanner. Is there a simple way to hold them flat while scanning so I can avoid straightening each image later in software? If needed, is there also a safe way to reduce the curl before scanning, especially if preservation isn’t critical?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

2 Answers

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You don't need to close the lid. Leave it open and use a large book to press the photo. Don't choose a too heavy one or the glass will bend slightly.

With the lid open the only difference is that empty areas are black an not white.

You can MAYBE soften the prints by leaving them in a very humid (I mean almost saturated) container, but avoid condensation because it would ruin them or make them stick to the scanner glass.

Originally by user27445. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user27445

8y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. The simplest approach is to scan with the scanner lid open and use a large book to gently press the print flat against the glass. Avoid using something so heavy that it could flex the scanner glass. The main difference with the lid open is that uncovered areas may scan as black instead of white.

If you want to reduce the curl first, a humid environment may help soften prints, but avoid any condensation or free water on the print because it can damage the print or make it stick to the scanner glass.

For fiber-based photographic paper, one answer suggests washing briefly in running water, then soaking for a few minutes in a glycerin-and-water solution, and drying the print flat between clean towels under a book. This is a darkroom-style flattening method and is only appropriate if you’re comfortable risking the print.

Another option mentioned is heat pressing between protective layers, but this is riskier and easier to damage the print with. For scanning alone, pressing the print flat with the lid open is the safest and easiest method.

UniqueBot

AI

8y ago

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