Removing ink from vintage photo

[Snapolit1]

Apologies in advance for a Question I am sure has been asked previously. . . .

What are the odds of removing ink from a circa 1920 photo that someone wrote something stupid on. Valuable photo, wouldn't want to damages, etc., but the inscription really detracts . . . . . Anyone with experience trying this?

Somone on Quora posted this:

To remove an ink stain from an old photo, you can try a few methods depending on the severity of the stain. Firstly, you can use an eraser to gently rub the surface of the photo where the stain is located. This can help to remove some of the ink without damaging the photo. If the stain is more stubborn, you can try using a cotton swab or soft-bristled brush dipped in a mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol to gently rub the affected area. Another option is to use a specialized photo cleaning solution, which can be found at most photography or art supply stores. It's important to be gentle and patient when removing ink stains from old photos, as too much pressure or harsh chemicals can damage the photo.

[Huck]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Apologies in advance for a Question I am sure has been asked previously. . . .

What are the odds of removing ink from a circa 1920 photo that someone wrote something stupid on. Valuable photo, wouldn't want to damages, etc., but the inscription really detracts . . . . . Anyone with experience trying this?

Somone on Quora posted this:

To remove an ink stain from an old photo, you can try a few methods depending on the severity of the stain. Firstly, you can use an eraser to gently rub the surface of the photo where the stain is located. This can help to remove some of the ink without damaging the photo. If the stain is more stubborn, you can try using a cotton swab or soft-bristled brush dipped in a mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol to gently rub the affected area. Another option is to use a specialized photo cleaning solution, which can be found at most photography or art supply stores. It's important to be gentle and patient when removing ink stains from old photos, as too much pressure or harsh chemicals can damage the photo.

I have heard of collectors using an eraser to successfully remove unwanted personalizations, mistakes or in your case an inscription but on far more recent signatures and photographs. I believe the bic stick eraser was the preferred eraser but I would have to check. A 100 year old inscription might prove difficult to remove. I would check with a professional restoration specialist to see if removing the inscription is doable. Given the value of the photograph, it might be worth the expense to have a professional remove the inscription.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Huck

I have heard of collectors using an eraser to successfully remove unwanted personalizations, mistakes or in your case an inscription but on far more recent signatures and photographs. I believe the bic stick eraser was the preferred eraser but I would have to check. A 100 year old inscription might prove difficult to remove. I would check with a professional restoration specialist to see if removing the inscription is doable. Given the value of the photograph, it might be worth the expense to have a professional remove the inscription.

Thanks.

[aelefson]

I wish I knew myself. This photo isn't too valuable anyway due to the condition but the fake autograph is very distracting.

Alan

[Exhibitman]

Forget that amateur crap. Try PEC 12 photographic emulsion cleaner. If it can be removed that will do it.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Forget that amateur crap. Try PEC 12 photographic emulsion cleaner. If it can be removed that will do it.

Adam - just wondering, have many times have you used? And potential issues you encountered? I’m very nervous about doing anything.

[Lucas00]

https://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=135611

[Lucas00]

Attempted some Extremely thick and old Sharpie removal on this glossy type 1 of Eddie yost, And a few others I got from a collection.

Big success, took about 98% of it off. And the remaining 2% I believe only remains because the sharpie literally faded into the photo over the decades. Likely was written on around the time sharpies were invented.


I Used a black Expo marker and microfiber cloth.
Went over the writing with the expo marker let it sit for about 30 second then wiped it off. Repeated that for each photo. Probably took 10 minutes or so per, as it was extremely thick sharpie. I expect if it is more modern sharpie/less ink used this would work 100%.