Losing precious memories to water damage can be devastating, especially when it comes to old and irreplaceable photos. Water damage can happen in many ways, from flooding to leaky pipes or even spilling a glass of water on your photos. But don't worry, all hope is not lost!
With the right steps and proper care, your water-damaged photos can be restored by professionals.
In this blog post, we'll share 5 tips from a professional photo studio on how to save your photos after water damage.
What causes water damage to a photo?
Water damage can be detrimental to photographs, causing irreversible damage and ruining treasured memories. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to water damage, including environmental factors, such as humidity and flooding, as well as human error, such as spills or improper storage. So, what causes water damage to your photographs?
- Central heating systems in your home
- improper storage
- humid environments
- prolonged display in glass frames
- mold growth
To avoid water damage, be sure to store your photos in a dry environment and take steps to limit their exposure to moisture.
How to Save Your Photos from Water Damage
1. Act quickly
The key to saving your water-damaged photos is to act fast. The longer the photos stay wet, the harder it becomes to recover them. As soon as you notice your photos are waterlogged, remove them from water or any damp place, and place them on a dry and flat surface such as a table or countertop.
It's essential to prevent the photos from sticking together, which will make the recovery process ten times harder. Keep them as dry as possible and avoid exposing them to sunlight, as it might cause further damage.
2. Take them to a professional photo restoration service
The most effective way to save your water-damaged photos is to seek the help of a professional photo restoration service. Experts at Forever Studios have the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to recover damaged photos.
They use state-of-the-art technology to scan, restore, colorize, and enhance your photos, giving them a new lease of life. Moreover, they can make digital copies of your restored photos, ensuring that they last for generations to come.
Skilled technicians at Forever Studios can help restore your precious memories, giving them new life no matter how they were damaged. From floods and leaks to prolonged display in a glass frame or mold growth, the team is equipped to tackle any type of water-related damage that your photos may have experienced.
3. Handle with care
When it comes to handling water-damaged photos, less is always more. Avoid touching the surface of the photo, as it may cause the emulsion layer to peel off, leaving permanent damage to your memories.
Use gloves to handle your photos, and be gentle when moving them from one surface to another. If the photo is stuck together, don't pull it apart. Instead, let a professional photo restorer take care of it.
4. Don't attempt to dry them with a hairdryer or sun
We know how tempting it is to try to dry your wet photos as quickly as possible with a hairdryer or any heat source, but it's the worst thing you could do!
High temperatures and direct heat sources are harmful to your photos and may warp or melt the emulsion layer, causing permanent damage. Instead, gently dab the photos with a soft cloth or absorbent paper towel to remove the excess water.
5. Freeze them
If you can't take your water-damaged photos to a professional photo studio immediately, you can try to freeze them to slow down the damage process.
Place your photos in a Zip-Lock bag, removing as much air as possible, and put them in the freezer. Freezing will stop the growth of mold and mildew. After that, you can defrost your images by air drying. This way you can buy a little more time until you can take them to a professional restoration service.
Conclusion
Water damage is a nightmare for many, but with the right steps and professional help, you can save and restore your memories. Remember, act fast, handle with care, avoid heat sources, freeze if necessary, and seek professional help. Don't wait until it's too late to save your precious memories.
