How can I safely remove old plastic lamination from a photo print?
Asked 3/29/2021
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2 answers
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Some old photo prints I have appear to be sealed under a hard plastic layer. Softer coverings can sometimes be peeled away, but the harder plastic is stuck firmly to the print, and when I try to lift a corner the photo begins to split. Is there a safe way to remove this lamination or protective plastic without damaging the original print?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
2
Removing a print from a surface is inherently dangerous for the print. A lot of people have lost their family members forever by being hasty.
Before you do anything, make sure you've got a good copy negative or scan of the image just in case you damage the print while trying to remove the lamination. This may be sufficient for your needs and you can leave the print as is and make a copy for yourself.
If you absolutely need the original print, I recommend contacting a print and frame shop that does a lot of archival work. They will have experience removing prints that are stuck to a wide variety of materials. Generally speaking this isn't terribly expensive to have them do the work and they are much less likely to damage the print than you are doing it at home. There is still some risk to the print even with a professional archivist, so don't skip the backup.
Originally by user68136. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user68136
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Be very cautious: removing lamination or a bonded plastic cover from an old print is risky, and the print can easily delaminate or tear.
The safest first step is to make a high-quality scan or copy of the photo before attempting anything. In many cases, using the scan for restoration or reprinting is better than risking the original.
If you truly need the original print separated from the plastic, the best option is to take it to a professional photo/framing shop or conservator with archival experience. They are more likely to know how to deal with bonded prints and laminated materials with less risk than a home attempt.
There is still no guarantee of success, but professional help is far safer than peeling it yourself. If the print is already splitting when you lift a corner, stop trying to remove it at home.
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