Separating Photos That are Stuck Together

This is good comment about it from yahoo answers:

If they are photographs, NOT INK JET/LASER prints, you should put them in a tray of water at about room temperature and let them soak for at least an hour. Remember true photo paper was designed to be processed in liquid chemistry! Once they have absorbed enough moisture they should separate very easily but the image will be soft and fragile so handle gently!

You could add "Photo Flo" (available at a photo stores that still sell chemical processing supplies) or a very small amount of plain dish detergent to the water. Once they have soaked they should separate easily, if they don't, DO NOT pull them apart! Add some warm water and let them continue to soak until they have absorbed enough moisture to separate easily.

Dry the images by laying them FACE UP on a soft towel laid on a table or wire rack or suspend them from a string using PLASTIC clothes pins. The pictures may curl up while they are drying but the curl can be removed after they are completely dry by uncurling them and placing a heavy book or other weight on top pf them.

Source(s):

40+ Years as a photo processor and photographer.

Photos Stuck Together

I have 2 photos stuck together. How do I get them unstuck? I've tried freezing them and that didn't work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Cheryl from Missouri

RE: Pictures left in rain and stuck together!

I did hear about if you put them in the freeze for a while. I have never tried it but it is worth a try. Good Luck (09/08/2005)

By Joyce wis

RE: Pictures left in rain and stuck together!

Soak them in Un-Do (aka: the scrapper's solution"). It is usually found anywhere scrapbook supplies are found. Get the largest bottle they sell and start by drizzling it over the pics, in between them. It won't leave a film... try it, you have nothing to lose! (09/09/2005)

By irishkilbride

RE: Photos Stuck Together

I had the same problem then I came across this website. I had nice vacation photos all stuck together, and after ripping the first few I needed to find a solution. This is what I did and it worked.

I put the photos stuck together in the sink and turned the water on hot. After the water was nice and warm I soaked them in the water for about 5 minutes. I went back and just pulled the pictures apart under water. They curl, but don't stick them together again, or in anything else. I put mine in a book to flatten them and then the pages transfered on the pictures. I had to repeat, but let them dry curled or not, and separately. Once they are dry (completely), you can put them under a heavy surface, such as a heavy book, bricks etc. to regain their shape. (02/25/2006)

By Ashleigh

RE: Photos Stuck Together

I just read an idea yesterday in a book published by readers digest, they suggest using dental floss. If i remember correctly, you just slip it in any openings between the pictures as gentle as possible. I found the book by the most recent magazines, the title was something like uses for ordinary products. (03/15/2006)

By Kersti

Photos Stuck Together

How can I separate pictures stuck together without damaging them?

Yvette from Tyler, Texas

RE: Photos Stuck Together

Yvette. Be frugal! Don't use any chemical treatment whatsoever; simply soak your photos in TEPID not hot water and they should float apart after a little while - try not to use force. The next problem you will find is how to get the curl out? The best way I know is to gently iron them, face down on your ironing board, again don't use too much heat just enough to dry them out, then lay them on a clean flat surface under some weight. Good luck. (08/15/2006)

By Alan24

Photos Stuck Together

How do you separate pictures that were stuck together by something?

Debra from Crescent City, FL

RE: Photos Stuck Together

I have never tried this but read somewhere steaming will do the trick. Place a pot of water on the stove and when it starts to boil hold the photos over the boiling water. The steam from the boiling water is supposed to unstick photos. Just be careful you don't steam your fingers. (04/06/2007)

RE: Photos Stuck Together

I read somewhere you could use a hair dryer. (04/09/2007)

By Sue

RE: Photos Stuck Together

Don't use anything but a product called Undo. It will not at all harm the photo in any way shape or form. It is a must have. You can get it at any craft store, Walmart and I have even seen it at Lowes. Hope this helps. Janette (08/24/2007)

By ashleybunkin

Photos Stuck Together

I have two photos that were stuck together when they were in a fire. How do I get these unstuck saving the image on the second picture?

Annette from Los Angeles, CA

RE: Photos Stuck Together

I've had great luck with the freezer and also a blow dryer. Two completely different temperatures. Why? I don't know. I just wanted to save the pictures. The freezer was easier and I didn't have to worry about accidentally "browning" the photos. When you do get them apart, spray them with Krylon(R) Acid Free or similar product to protect them from acid destruction. (03/24/2008)

By artisticattorney