skip to main content

How can I get ink off old pictures?

19 years ago

Hi everyone! I'm new here & was wondering if someone could help me out. I was recently given some old family pictures that I would like to put in my album, but, they have ink on them. I guess when my relative wrote on the back, they then stacked the pictures & the ink transfered to the front of the next picture. Is there a way to remove the ink? I'm not real sure if it is ballpoint ink or a marker, but, it sure messed up those prescious pictures of my ancestors. The pictures are from the '20s through the '70s. Any ideas will be appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Adella Bedella
19 years ago
I'd take it to a professional. I use rubbing alcohol to get ink off of other surfaces, but I think that would damage your photos even more.
sewnjoy
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks! I did take the pictures to a professional & he said the ink is from a fountain pen & that due to the age of the pictures etc. it wasn't safe to try to remove the ink, that it would do more harm than good. So, I will have to have them restored. Thanks for your help!
Related Discussions
WS gets some ink in a news paper. And we get a newbie
Q
Comments (6)
Oh how nice! Writers are wonderful enablers ;-) I found her on FaceBook and asked to be friends. You can send her a message through her page. Here is a link that might be useful: Molly Logan Anderson
...See More
Cleaning ink off my leather couch. Help!
Q
Comments (2)
It was probably a no-no, but I used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on mine. It dulled the finish just a bit, but who knows what the crud was so I didn't figure I was losing anything. You could test a small spot first. Car detailing places would probably know of some things to clean ink if the good old stand-by of hairspray doesn't work. Most of the leather cleaners we've used in the past were for general grime. My cows must be pretty tough because some mild soap and water worked just fine. I can't believe how well this couch has held up with my crew. Gloria
...See More
How do I get Caulking/glue off brick?
Q
Comments (2)
Scrape off as much as you can with a putty knife or paint scraper, then use an adhesive remover, such as Peel Away or Goof Off, available at home centers. Do NOT sandblast. Here is a link that might be useful: Peel Away
...See More
How Much $ can I get for these old cabinets and travertine tops
Q
Comments (2)
If you cannot sell them once you list them on cl, consider one of the re store stores in you area. They pick up and you get a good tax deduction for your generosity.
...See More

Related Stories

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

SALVAGE Can We Bounce Some Great Recycled-Rubber Ideas Off You?

By Julia Pockett

No need to bemoan that spare tire. Old rubber is getting a guilt-free second life as flooring, pavers, sinks and even furniture

COLOR 8 Color Palettes You Can't Get Wrong

By Lisa Frederick

Can't decide on a color scheme? Choose one of these foolproof palettes for a room that feels both timeless and fresh

KITCHEN DESIGN Trending Now: 25 Kitchen Photos Houzzers Can’t Get Enough Of

By Mitchell Parker

Use the kitchens that have been added to the most ideabooks in the last few months to inspire your dream project

KITCHEN DESIGN Get Your Kitchen ‘Bake Off’ Ready

By Amanda Pollard

Make it easy to whip up a cake or a batch of cookies with these tips for organizing your space

TRADITIONAL HOMES An Old Florida Bungalow Gets Brand-New Polish

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Childhood memories and neighborhood nostalgia live on, as a bungalow on the Gulf Coast gets a gentle update for a new generation

KIDS’ SPACES See an Arizona Nursery That’ll Never Get Old

By Becky Harris

Age appropriate but not childish, this baby boy’s room will grow with him without a redesign

DECORATING GUIDES Use It or Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Keys

By Vanessa Brunner

Clean out your junk drawer by getting rid of keys in an earth-friendly way

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

ARCHITECTURE Stilt Houses: 10 Reasons to Get Your House Off the Ground

By Rebecca Gross

Here are 10 homes that raise the stakes, plus advice on when you might want to do the same

Sponsored