For whatever reason, moisture has adhered the emulsion of your photograph to the glass of the picture frame. Photograph surfaces are gelatin-like and can be easily damaged when attempting to remove them from being stuck on glass. Therefore, before you begin the process of un-sticking your photograph, it is advisable to make a copy of your photo either by scanning, photocopying or taking a photo of it to ensure all will not be lost, should your attempt at dislodging the original photograph be unsuccessful.
Instructions
1. Fill a household humidifier with distilled water and turn it on. When the steam begins, pass one edge of the photograph and glass two or three times through the steam path. Check to see if a corner or edge has loosened.
2. Ease the image back very gently until you feel even the slightest resistance, then pass through the steam path again. Check if you can ease more of the photo free. Continue passing it over the steam, checking for loosening until the photograph is free. Never pull or force the photograph to un-stick, but allow the heat and steam from the humidifier soften and loosen the bind. This takes patience and a gentle touch. If this is not working, or the photo is really adhered to the glass, try the next step.
3. Fill a sink, bathtub or pan, depending on the size of the photograph and glass, with room temperature water. Submerge the photo and glass into the water and soak for an hour. Check to see if the edges are loosening. Continue to soak until the photograph is freed from the glass. The type of photographic paper the photo was printed on may determine the length of time needed to soak, and it could take as long as overnight. Be sure to check periodically. Soaking in plain water will work well if the print has not been on the glass for a long time.
4. Add Photoflo to water according to the instructions (1 part Photoflo to 200 parts water) and soak photos that have been on the glass for what appears to be a long time. Photoflo is a thick liquid added to the final rinse when developing film. It breaks the water surface tension on the film and seems to help the water penetrate into the paper emulsion that is stuck to the glass. The addition of Photoflo should also help eliminate any water spots on your photograph once it is freed.
5. Blot excess water from the freed photograph using a clean terrycloth towel and paper towels. Air dry the photograph, laying it flat on paper towels or newspaper. When the photo is completely dry, it can be further flatten by placing a heavy book over it for a few days.
