Things You'll Need:
- Photos
- Dental floss
- Spatula
- Freezer
- Blow dryer
- Commercial cleaning product
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Step 1
Cut a string of dental floss long enough to stretch between your hands with a few inches between them. Place the taut piece of floss on the corner of the photograph and "saw" the glue off. This is effective if the photo is glued onto a surface such as a photo album or poster board.
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Step 2
Heat a metal spatula or wide-bladed putty knife by running them under hot water and quickly drying them off. Slowly slice off the glue. The heated instrument will help to soften the glue during the process of glue removal.
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Step 3
Apply commercial cleaning products such as Goo Gone, which is made specifically for removing tough stains off any surface. Put enough cleaning solution on a paper towel sheet to affect the glue, but not so much that you dampen the photo. Gently rub the glued area to loosen it from the photo backing.
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Step 4
Place the photo in the freezer for a few minutes. This method will freeze the glue and cause it to become brittle. Then you will be able to pick out the glue bits from the photo's surface. Avoid leaving the photo in the freezer for too long, as the resulting condensation when it is removed may cause water damage to the picture.
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Step 5
Use a blow dryer at the warmest setting the photo can handle, taking care not to melt the photo's emulsion. Apply a back-and-forth oscillating motion on the affected area to soften the glue, then pick or wipe it off. Be quick when removing the glue using this method, otherwise the glue may become harder than before.
