Remove Glue from Photos
Sometimes when you store or make scrapbooks of photos, glue or other adhesives become adhered to the front or back of the photo. Adhesive on the front of the photo may discolor the picture if left untouched or it may collect debris or other material if it remains tacky. Adhesive on the back of a photo may contain strips of paper from scrapbook pages it was pulled from, or it may make it difficult for the photo to lay flush to a new page. Removing glue as soon as possible can help protect your photographs and ensure their longevity.
Contents
Steps
Removing Adhesive Tape Residue and Tacky Glue
If the glue on the photo is still tacky to the touch, or you have adhesive residue left over from tape, it can usually be removed without any solvents.
- Place the photo down on a flat surface with the tacky area face up.
- Hold the photo down firmly with your non-dominant hand to keep it from moving.
- Place the pad of your index finger next to the tacky adhesive area.
- Push your finger into the adhesive in the direction of the edge of the photo. The adhesive should move or roll slightly.
- Continue pushing or rolling the adhesive toward the edge of the photo until it comes free.
- Rub a soft cloth on the area where the adhesive was to remove any remaining residue.
Removing Old or Dried Glue From a Photo
If the glue has dried completely or has paper stuck to the other side of it, a special solvent made for photographs can be used to loosen and remove it.
- Place the photo on a flat surface with the glue facing up.
- Remove as much stuck-on paper as possible from the glue to make the gluey area easy to see.
- Apply a small amount of photo safe solvent such as Un-Do to the glue.
- Use a razor blade or, if using Un-Do, the tool that accompanies it, to gently pull back the glue from the paper as the glue softens.
- Nudge the razor blade or tool beneath the edge of the glue.
- Gently pull or pry upward on the blade to help pull the glue up from the photo.
- Apply additional solvent to the glue and let it sit for a few minutes if you encounter an area that is stuck or beginning to rip the photo as you pull the glue up.
- Work slowly as you pull the glue up to avoid ripping or tearing the photo.
Tips
- Any solvent that neutralizes adhesive can be used to soften glue, but some may fade the photo. Always make sure the solvent says ‘safe for photographs’ before you begin.
Warnings
- Do not attempt to scrape or pull the glue from the photos with force. Photo paper can be fragile and excessive force may rip the photograph.
Things You'll Need
- Soft cloth
- Adhesive removing solvent
- Razor blade
