📸 Help! My Photos Are Stuck Together: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
You just opened a box of old prints and—uh oh—some of your photos are stuck together. Don’t panic! This is a surprisingly common problem, especially with photos that have been stored in humid environments, exposed to water, or stacked tightly for long periods of time.
Before you try to peel them apart, take a deep breath and read this guide. You might be able to save your memories with just a little patience and care.
🛑 First—Don’t Do This:
- Don’t force them apart. Pulling stuck photos apart can cause the emulsion (image layer) to rip or tear, leaving permanent damage.
- Don’t use heat. A hair dryer or warm oven can actually cause photos to warp or stick more tightly.
- Don’t scrub or rub the surface. Even a soft cloth can scratch or smear a fragile photo.
✅ Here’s What You Can Do:
Try one of these gentle methods depending on what you have access to:
1. Humidity Method (Slow and Gentle)
If the photos are only lightly stuck:
- Place them in a humid environment to soften the bond.
- One safe DIY option: run a hot shower and put the photos in the bathroom (away from direct water!) for about 20–30 minutes.
- After that, gently see if they will separate by sliding—not pulling—them apart.
- If they don’t budge easily, stop and try again later. Patience is key!
2. Water Soak Method (For Water-Damaged or Heavily Stuck Prints)
If your prints were water-damaged or are tightly fused:
- Fill a clean plastic bin or tub with water.
- Submerge the stuck photos for 5-10 minutes.
- The water should start loosening the emulsion layer. Use your fingers or tweezers to gently separate corners first, if possible.
- Once separated, lay the photos flat (image side up) on paper towels or a clean towel to dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. Make sure they are not touching each other.
đź’ˇ Note: This method works best on photo lab prints, not inkjet or home-printed photos, which may smear or dissolve in water.
🧽 After They’re Separated:
- Gently blot (don’t rub!) any excess water with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Lay them flat to air dry completely—this may take several hours.
- If they curl during drying, you can flatten them later by placing them under a clean, heavy book with a sheet of wax paper between the pages.
💾 Now’s the Time to Digitize!
If you’ve successfully separated your photos, now is the perfect time to scan and back them up digitally. This is the number one way to make sure that that memory is always safe!
I offer an easy-to-follow photo digitizing course that shows you exactly how to scan, organize, and store your print photo collection. Whether you’re using a scanner or just your smartphone, it’s totally doable (even if you’re not super techy!).
✨ Bonus Tips for Preventing Future Sticking:
- Always store photos in a cool, dry place (avoid basements and attics!).
- Keep them in photo albums so they are not touching each other.
- Avoid stacking prints tightly together.
Be sure and also follow along on Instagram and YouTube for all of my best photo organizing tips!