Flattening an old print

[Simpo Two]

I have a panoramic school photo that's been rolled up in a 1.5" diameter tube for decades. I want to scan it for posterity but even if I press hard on the scanner it's lumpy and the scan has sharp and soft areas. Is there a way I can flatted the photo safely without damaging it? A cool iron perhaps?

[StevieBee]

Hi Simpo!

If you take it to decent frame shop, they should be able to dry-mount it onto a bit of board. The only thing is that it will then be forever on a bit of board.

[_dobbo_]

use some low tack tape to hold it down whilst scanning?

[sgrimshaw]

Do you have a piece of glass big enough to cover the photo?

I had same problem with some old photos.

Image face down on scanner bed, sheet of glass on top, close scanner lid.

I used a glass shelf from a display unit so it's heavy.


ETA I also use it to make sure photos etc are "square on" on the scanner bed.

[Simpo Two]

Just pressure isn't enough, those curls are in to stay (think of a choppy sea). It needs some kind of heat, humidity or both to get it flat and without further cracking.

[Elderly]

Risky - but what would happen if you re-washed it?

[singlecoil]

I would be inclined to try humidity or maybe even water, but before that I think I would try using a decent camera, setting a small aperture so that the high and low areas were within the depth of field.

[Simpo Two]

singlecoil said:

I would be inclined to try humidity or maybe even water, but before that I think I would try using a decent camera, setting a small aperture so that the high and low areas were within the depth of field.

Re Elderly I don't feel brave enough to immerse it, but a gentle steam might do it - if I had a gentle steamer! I get your DOF angle but the photo when unrolled really is a series of U shapes - like UUUUUUUU - and even if the DOF did the focus, the lighting would be awful...

I think I might have to try a something over a boiling saucepan...

[Beggarall]

Hi
Interested in your question as I have some similar old photos - possibly not as bad as yours. Found this on line - might give it a try. Good luck!!

[Simpo Two]

Wow, this is getting complicated!

[Bacardi]

A Corby Trouser Press should do the job

As suggested, try photographing it, but swing the pic 90º so the light runs along the 'U's rather than across them. If the surface has a stipple texture, the best bet is to polarize the lights with a polarizer on the lens. Once you have a back up you could try steaming or soaking if it's a fibre based print.

[Simpo Two]

Actually I have a Corby trouser press!

I'm impressed by your reply and rather than fanny about with CPs herewith offer you the job