Things You'll Need
Acid-free Tape
Cardboard
If a photograph is extremely old, rare or of archival quality, it's best not to repair tears; consult a photography professional. However, if the value of the photograph is primarily sentimental, follow these steps.
Step 1
Gather the pieces of the torn photograph on a flat, dust-free surface. Make sure your hands are clean and dry.
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Step 2
Fit together the torn pieces on a piece of cardboard.
Step 3
Place another piece of cardboard on top of the photograph and gently flip over both pieces of cardboard with the photograph in the middle.
Step 4
Remove the top piece of cardboard.
Step 5
Apply acid-free archival tape to the back of the photograph. Acid-free tape, available at photography and framing shops, will not cause any yellowing or staining over the years.
Step 6
Use acid-free tape on the front of a photo only if the tape is designed for this purpose. If you do so, smooth out the tape carefully to avoid creating any air bubbles.
Tip
You can scan a damaged photograph onto a computer and use image-editing software to remove flaws, tears or signs of aging. If you want to display a delicate or an old photograph, it's best to use a copy.
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