Maya Ellison
Destroying photos and their protective plastic coverings can be a tricky process that risks damaging the photos themselves. Before attempting to remove photos from plastic coverings, it is recommended to have a good copy, negative, or scan of the image in case the original gets damaged. If the photos are stuck to the plastic, dental floss can be used to carefully glide them off the page. Alternatively, a blow dryer can be used to apply heat and loosen the adhesive. If photos are stored in magnetic photo albums, the adhesive can cause staining and tearing, and it may be best to colour copy or scan the entire page and use replicas for scrapbooking. To destroy the plastic, cutting, drilling, or gluing the plastic together are not recommended as feasible methods. Instead, the safest and cheapest way is to use boiling water to melt the image layers, which can then be discarded, while the plastic can be put into solid industrial waste or recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of plastic | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or "vinyl" |
| Effect of PVC on photos | Releases hydrogen-chloride gas that corrodes photos over time |
| How to remove photos from plastic | Use dental floss to glide photos off the page, or heat the page with a blow dryer |
| How to destroy plastic | Burning, boiling, or drilling |
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What You'll Learn
Use dental floss to separate photos from plastic
If you want to separate photos from plastic, you can use dental floss. This method is particularly useful for removing photos from magnetic photo albums, which have sticky pages covered in clear acetate. The adhesive on these albums can severely damage or destroy your photos, so it is recommended to remove them as soon as possible.
Firstly, make sure you have a good copy negative or scan of the image in case it gets damaged during the removal process. Then, take a piece of dental floss and tighten it by pulling it taut. Carefully glide the floss between the photo and the plastic, gently working it back and forth to separate the two. If the photo seems impossible to remove, you can try slightly heating it with a blow dryer to loosen the adhesive, or contact a photo conservator for help.
Dental floss can also be used to separate photos that are stuck together. Gently work the floss between the photos to separate them without causing damage or tears.
It is worth noting that not all plastics are harmful to photographs. The type of plastic to avoid is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly known as vinyl, which releases a hydrogen-chloride gas that corrodes photos and historical items over time. To protect your photos, store them in a sturdy container, plastic sleeves that fit into a three-ring binder, or acid-free envelopes.
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Heat photos with a blow dryer to melt adhesive
If you need to remove photos from a sticky album, you can use a blow dryer to heat the adhesive and melt it. This method is also useful for removing glue from devices, such as a phone battery.
To start, place your device or album on a clean, heat-resistant surface or mat. Ensure that flammable materials are not in your work area. Check your blow dryer's user manual for operating and safety procedures. Before you begin, make sure you have a plan in case of a fire. Keep the blow dryer unplugged and switched off when not in use.
Position the nozzle of the blow dryer 2-3 inches above the surface of the album or device. Set the fan setting to "low" for small parts, like cables, or high for large surfaces, like screens or back covers. Move the blow dryer along the surface in small circles, heating the adhesive until it is soft and pliable. If you are removing a cable, heat the adhesive for around 30 seconds before peeling the cable from the device.
If you are removing photos from an album, carefully work a strand of dental floss between the photo and the page once the adhesive is soft. If the photos are still immovable, colour copy or scan the page and use the replicas in your scrapbooks. Store the original album in a safe, cool, dry, and dark place.
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Cut up the plastic
If you want to cut up the plastic protecting a photo, it's important to be aware that removing a print from its plastic surface is inherently dangerous for the print. It is highly recommended to first ensure that you have a good copy negative or scan of the image in case you damage the original print. If you absolutely need the original print, consider contacting a print and frame shop that does archival work—they will be much less likely to damage the print than you are doing it at home.
If you do decide to proceed with cutting up the plastic, there are several methods you can use depending on the type of plastic. Firstly, ensure that you have the appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to safeguard yourself from any sharp edges or plastic shards. Then, select a suitable cutting tool. Fine-toothed saws, such as a hacksaw or jigsaw, are recommended for making precise cuts without destroying the plastic itself. Clamp the plastic securely to a table or workbench to stabilize it during the cutting process. Use the full length of the blade and move the saw in quick, smooth back-and-forth motions.
Alternatively, you can use a non-melting table saw blade to avoid the plastic from melting due to the heat of the saw. If you encounter difficulty, try drilling small holes along the intended cutting line to weaken the plastic before cutting through it. Another option is to use a string to cut through the plastic by moving the thread back and forth to create an incision. This method may be useful if you do not have access to power tools.
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Boil the plastic
Boiling plastic is an effective way to destroy photo page plastic. It is a simple, safe, and cheap method.
To begin, separate the plastic from the photo page. Then, fill a pot with water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the plastic into the water. Make sure to use a pair of tongs or another heat-safe utensil to avoid direct contact with the hot water.
The boiling water will cause the plastic to melt. The plastic will become soft and pliable, and eventually, it will break down into a black gelatinous mass. This process usually happens quickly, so make sure to monitor the plastic closely. Once the plastic has melted, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool.
The melted plastic can now be discarded as solid industrial waste. It is important to note that the plastic should not be poured down the drain, as it may solidify and cause a blockage. Instead, dispose of it in a trash bin or recycle it if your local recycling program accepts this type of plastic.
Additionally, boiling water can also be used to remove microplastics from drinking water. Recent studies have found that boiling water for 2 to 5 minutes and then filtering it can remove up to 90% of microplastics. This is especially effective in ""hard" water, which has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
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Contact a professional photo conservator
If you are unable to remove a photograph from a plastic page yourself, it is best to contact a professional photo conservator. Photo conservators are experts in the preservation and conservation of photographs, and they can help you safely remove the photograph without causing any damage.
There are several companies that offer photo conservation services, such as Gawain Weaver, which is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). They offer a range of services, including conservation treatment, digital restoration, collections care, and disaster planning and recovery. They also provide workshops and training on photograph conservation, preservation, and identification, both online and in-person.
Another option is to contact a print and frame shop that does archival work. These shops often have experience removing prints that are stuck to various materials, and they can usually do this at a relatively low cost.
When choosing a photo conservator, it is important to look for a company that has experience working with the specific type of photograph and plastic page you have. It is also crucial to ensure that they follow ethical guidelines, such as the AIC Code of Ethics, to ensure the safe handling and preservation of your photographs.
Additionally, some companies offer preservation materials and kits specifically designed for archives, libraries, and museums, such as Gaylord Archival. These kits can provide you with the necessary tools to store and protect your photographs properly, reducing the risk of damage over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing photos from plastic photo albums can be tricky, and you may need to accept that some damage is inevitable. First, make sure you have a good copy negative or scan of the image in case something goes wrong. Then, try carefully working a piece of dental floss between the photo and the page, or gently heating the picture with a blow dryer to loosen the adhesive. If this doesn't work, contact a print and frame shop with experience in archival work, as they are much less likely to damage the print than you are at home.
The safest, simplest, and cheapest way of destroying plastic photo sleeves is to separate the film from the plastic and then drop the film into boiling water. The image layers will melt and can be discarded as waste. The plastic can then be put into solid industrial waste, although it is recyclable.
Store your photos in a dry, cool place away from water pipes, faucets, or plumbing. Keep drinks away from the work area, and avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Handle photos carefully, touching only the outer edges, and wash your hands frequently or use acid-neutralizing wipes to avoid fingerprints, which can become visible over time. Store your photos in plastic sleeves that fit into a three-ring binder or in acid-free envelopes that have been labeled and filed. Avoid magnetic photo albums, as these can severely damage your photos.
