Just to be clear, you really NEED to get your photos out of adhesive back albums. That sticky glue will eventually destroy your pictures. Chances are it has already started to discolor them. If you want to have those memories live on, you need to get them out of those albums, get a digital scan of them and then store them in a photo a safe box or album.
Sounds simple! And if you are lucky it is. However there is one very common problem… They are stuck!
If your pictures are glued down and not going anywhere, there are a few steps that might just help to free those pictures.
First, get a digital copy of the photo while it is in the album. If you do damage the photo while trying to remove it, you’ll have the digital version as a back up. A simple way to do a scan of a photo in an album is with the Photomyne app or with a flatbed scanner. I’ll link the one I use down below.
Try these methods to free photos from adhesive back photo albums:
Dental floss
If those photos just need a little lift, dental floss might just be the solution. String a piece of floss under the photo and then shimmy it under the picture. If it’s just a little stuck, this might just be all it takes to free the photo.
However, this method is generally the least effective. If you have a difficult glued on photo, this likely won’t be the answer.
Razor set
This razor set will work the same way, but with a little extra power! This is a super sharp razor that is shaped like a spatula. It will cut between the photo and the page.
Keep in mind, this may also cut part of the page itself (which may be necessary). Be very careful with this one. It’s definitely sharp!
Hair dryer
Here is a trick to try to melt away that glue. You will use a hair dryer heat the back of the photo on medium heat for a few minutes. If after a few minutes it isn’t coming up you can try a hotter setting, however this does get risky. Definitely test run that process on a less important photo first!
Un Du glue remover
I love this stuff. It is a powerful glue remover and the packaging says it is safe to use on photos. That being said…. I’m not completely convinced this is really great to be smearing on your photographs. I’d definitely use it sparingly and keep in mind that it could have a long term effect on a photo. For some photos, a water rinse after might even be a good idea. Although, every photo I’ve had in contact with it is doing just fine today. So maybe I’m just a little paranoid there lol! Just use at your own risk!!!
With all of these options, always start with the least important photo. If possible test it out on one that is not a keeper. There are so many variables, when it comes to photos and the glues used, it’s definitely best to do a test run on each option first!
Once you have safely removed your photo, here are less harmful photo storage options that you can keep those photos in:
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And if you are on the hunt for a simple flatbed scanner here is the one I suggest:
And if you’re looking for even more help getting the most enjoyment out of your photos, check out the other ways we can connect:
👉 Grab my free Photo Resource Guide – it’s packed with tools, apps, and simple steps to get started.
👉 Check out my book, Beyond the Storm – a powerful blend of true stories and practical advice for safeguarding your photos.
👉 Check out my course – Save Your Story will walk you through every step of taking your pile of old print photos and turning them into safe, organized digital files!
👉 Want to join the photo organizing CRUISE? This fun getaway is set for February 2026 and YOU are invited to join! Check out The Great Photo Voyage and be sure and sign up soon, space is limited!
Or follow along on social media! Check out Instagram and YouTube to get my latest information.