Introduction: Old Photo Restoration and Framing
today we will restore an old photograph, normally the photographs that we restore date from the time when photography was analog, and in black and white, photographs that are about to fade or that due to the passage of time have scratches and tears, today I will teach you how to do it step by step and with conventional software/apps even for free online use
Supplies
- Old picture
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Wood frames
- Hacksaw
- Miter Box 45 degree or Protractor
- Hammer
- Cola
- Cutter
- Contact Cement
- Pencil
- Colored paper
- Cardboard
- Tape
- Glass
- Wi-Fi for apps use
- V-nails for framing
- Sawtooth Hanger
- Digital Edition Software, Kryta, Photoshop, etc.
Step 1: Select Your Photo
In my case I chose the old photo of an uncle, He told me that it was the oldest photo he had, curiously in which he appears younger. So I decided that I would restore it and not only that, I would frame it as a gift for him.
Step 2: Scanning
First of all we must digitize the image, for this we will use our scanner, normally each scanner comes with its specific software so in this step I will show the steps to follow with my software in your case the guidelines should be similar,
After scanning select specific area to speed up scanning speed in high resolution.
Step 3: Resolution
After scanning the image and selecting the area, we will find a special menu to modify the image configuration, the ideal is to scan the image in the best possible quality.
Check the images and in the resolution section select the largest number of pixels that can be digitized by your scanner model.
Step 4: Open in a Editor Software
After we have our image in high quality, we proceed to export it to any editing program of our choice.
In my case I will use Photoshop, but you are free to use any, there are several free ones that have a lot of potential.
The first thing we will do is straighten our image for which we will use the crop tool according to the scan and the direction in which it is located we will rotate it to leave it straight.
Step 5: Spot Healing Tool
After straightening the photo it is time to remove the scratches and match the skin, the coat, the hair and the background in my case, for that we will use the spot healing tool.
we will use quick touches, in the areas where there are scratches or anomalies.
It can also help in certain cases with the clone stamp tool, which takes a sample from somewhere to simulate it in the area where there are scratches.
Step 6: Color Correction
When we scan the Photo we can notice that some tones of other colors can be perceived, so I recommend desaturating the photo to have a black and white balance that is easier to correct.
Step 7: Spot Healing Tricks
A trick that can work in some cases is to make lines that cover an entire area with the spot healing tool, I recommend not to abuse this technique and use it according to the result it can give
In places where the texture is complex it can generate strange shapes.
Step 8: Fill by Content Aware
Another trick that can work in some cases is the use of the fill by content aware tool
As you can see in the images in the worn part, by making a selection and choosing the fill by content aware tool you can get good results, but you have to be careful and always check the results because sometimes when there are a lot of textures strange shapes are generated.
Step 9: Content Aware Correct
Here is a perfect example of how the content aware fill tool can give great results, blending the background correctly with the worn part.
Step 10: Full Retouch
After cleaning all the scratches we will get a clean black and white picture but with some noise so we will use some helps to smooth it out.
Step 11: Image Colorization
Now we will find a way to give color to our photo, in my case I did not want it to be only black and white, I also wanted it to have life by filling it with color, but how to know the colors? with the help of an AI we will try to find out.
With the help of an online AI we will find out those colors, you just have to go to the site: HOTPOT and upload a photo, the site is quite intuitive and will give you several options to approximate the colors of the image since it is based on gray tones.
After that we will return to our editing program and will make a color retouch to our liking, you are free to interpret the image in your own way, for my part I decided to keep a style marked with quite classic tones that recall the nostalgia of that time.
Step 12: Enchance Online
it is optional but if you want you can increase the quality of the image a little through another AI, what it does is increase the quality and resolution of the image a little.
the only thing you have to do is register on the site: ENCHANCE and upload an image, it also has some settings on the right side where you can get different results, you can play with these parameters until you get what you want.
Step 13: Enchance Via App
But if what you want is high resolution of an image by approximation, you should download this app, which is an AI that by approximations increases the resolution of an image in an incredible way, which a few years ago was impossible to imagine, the app is monstrously incredible, and you can make 5 daily arrangements, the app can be downloaded from the palay store, and its name is REMINI.
all you have to do is upload any photo from your gallery and the app will do the rest of the work.
the only thing that will ask you to watch an ad, but that's it, and I think it's minimal for everything it offers.
Step 14: Final Digital File
The file is now is ready to print, go to your trusted printer store and specify photographic paper in your purchase.
Step 15: Printed Material
To have a variety of options when viewing the image, I print two versions of the image in two different sizes.
always keep in mind the size of the wall where your frame will be located.
Step 16: Framing
the frames are what give style to our photography, and then we must choose very well, in my case I feel that black is the most serious and indicated for this project.
but you can choose the one you like, there are so many styles of frames for your projects.
After choosing a frame, do not forget to take the measurements of your image to make the respective cuts in the frame and on the paper.
Step 17: Measuring Mat
after measuring the photography you can add the centimeters you think are necessary for the assembly of the frame, in my case add 5 centimeters on each side.
Step 18: Cutting the Frame
now it will be the turn to use the 45 degree Miter Box to cut the frame, if you do not have one you can make the cuts by marking the frame after taking the measurements with a Protractor.
be very careful when making the cuts, watch your fingers
Step 19: Cutting the Paper
Now we will cut the papers that will serve as layers to our photo
I recommend you make marks in the respective corners of the paper, so you will not make a mistake at the time of joining
Step 20: Taping the Mat
this is optional but if you wish you can leave a border with tape that will later be painted with a marker, which will serve as a separator between the photo and the papers
Step 21: Cut Cut Cut
Cut more layers to give more detail to your Portrait.
And be careful with the pieces of paper that have a white tone so as not get them dirty.
Step 22: Assembling the Frame
The time has come to assemble our photographic frame, for this we will need the glue, the selected frames, a hammer and a small v-nails for framing.
The first thing will be to apply enough glue on each end where the frame will be joined.
after that we will join the tips and keeping them with a little pressure we will use the hammer to nail the V nails for framing right in the joining part as indicated in the images
repeat the action at each corner of the frame.
Step 23: Cutting the Glass
Before cutting the glass it is better to take the measurements based on the structure of the frame.
This part is optional if you have the glass cutting tool, if not, it is best to go to your nearest glass store and ask them to make the respective cut according to the measurements with which you are working.
the glass used in my project is antireflective.
Step 24: All the Pieces.
now is time to assemble all the layers of the frame
Step 25: Applying the Glue
For that we will use the contact glue, and we will apply it very carefully to avoid mess.
applied on each face respectively to make the joints.
Step 26: Joining
we will cut the excess of our photography and we will stick it to a thicker cardboard that will serve as a background.
Step 27: Cut Excess
from this step we will get rid of the leftover parts that do not fit in our frame.
Step 28: Continue Cutting
At this point we are approaching the end, so we will try to make sure that everything goes well, for that I recommend that we always make small guide marks from the beginning that will locate us where each corner goes respectively and thus we will avoid errors when gluing
Step 29: Paper Trick
So that all the layers are well glued, I recommend you apply pressure with a sheet of paper on top, since this way you will also avoid dirtying any part and you will be able to exert a balanced pressure.
Step 30: Final Steps
to finish we will polish small details, such as erasing any type of trace or marks that may be visible from the pencil or any dirt that has reached our frame.
Step 31: Cleaning the Glass
remember to leave the inside of the glass of your frame very clean before assembling it
I recommend that when you go to install or clean the glass you use some type of soft fabric material underneath so as not to generate pressure on it
Step 32: Reinforcing the Rear
To reinforce the back we will use a more resistant type of cardboard,
but don't worry it's not a special cardboard it's the basic cardboard we know...
Step 33: Sealing the Frame
Now we will seal the back with nails that will come under pressure thanks to pliers, be very careful in this step because if you apply a lot of pressure you can break the glass.
After having strategically located and well distributed the nails, we will proceed to cover these areas with special adhesive tape to give it a perfect finish.
Step 34: It's Almost Ready
Only small details remain, such as how to hang it on the wall...
Step 35: Sawtooth Hanger
take the necessary measures to locate the Sawtooth Hanger in the back of the frame,
for this we will use the help of some screws and a drill or punch to open a path in the wood, be creative.
Step 36: Final
now it's time to hang our restored classic photograph on the wall.
in the next few days I hope to deliver it in person to its owner so that's all for now.
thanks for watch!
:)
Second Prize in the
Photography Challenge
24 Comments
1 year ago
Je l'ai fait avec un logiciel de photo gratuit Photofiltre. J'ai corrigé la photo d'origine et fait un essai sur REMINI. Je suis impressionnée
1 year ago
The intent of an Instructable is to show others what can be done, and how. The fact that a reader may not own, or have access to certain materials, equipment, or programs does not take from a good Instructable. Even when met with less-than-articulate comments below, the author of this Instructable not only replied calmly, but then updated details. For that alone, I give high kudos and appreciation.
As for the Instructable itself, applause coming from my direction! This Instructable is truly created from start to finish as a how-to. Would it be easier to make a dash to a dollar store for a frame? Sure, but this author went above and beyond, true to the sense of this website.
B-R-A-V-O, Dazmaker!
1 year ago on Step 36
Cola?
Reply 1 year ago
Yeah bro. the glue that is used in classrooms and normally when gluing wood, the normal white glue.
Reply 1 year ago
Okay.
1 year ago
The author did not say which specific scanning software he used, and the scanning settings images were in a foreign language. Also why make a picture frame when tens of thousands are available in many big-box stores or on-line. Many of the readers neither have the tools or the expertise to make one.
Reply 1 year ago
Such an arrogant comment... The software is in Spanish, probably because it is what the instructor uses (yes, not everyone in the world uses their software in english). All the scanning software are similar and with a little of Google Translate you could easily search the words. Is there in the “rules” of Instructables that everything has to be written in English? Instructables is FULL of tutorials with CNC machines, laser cutting machines and weird electronic devices... and a little of glue, paper, and a hand saw is a problem for you? please… The purpose of the site is to learn to do things, man. I am sure that half of the things in here are “buyable” on lots of stores... very dirty and low comment @pbrixey41 . Nice and big thumb up for @dazmaker for the hard work and detailed tutorial. Thanks.
Reply 1 year ago
The software depends on the brand and reference of your scanner.
You can go to the official website of the brand and download the respective drivers and software.
I had not noticed the configuration in another language, I'll update that step first thing in the morning.
you are also wondering why to make a photo frame, the idea of instructables is to explain the step by step and the tools used so that most people who do not know the process can learn and have fun making it, but if you wish you can buy the frame in any specialized store and according to the measurements of your image.
Reply 1 year ago
He actually could have used Photoshop to import the image. Also there are lots of free scanning software available.
>>Also why make a picture frame
Why not? You don't have to.
Reply 1 year ago
Thanks, but scanning software is useless without an optical scanner. I built one using a Sony Full Frame camera as the capture device. Photoshop does not scan, so he had to scan before he could have imported the image into any P.P. software. What scanning software AND what scanning device did he use?
1 year ago on Step 36
Thank you. This will prove most useful.
Reply 1 year ago
thanks to you for watch :)
1 year ago
well done, i like to know if that technique can be useful for black pics and film photo flash
Reply 1 year ago
Yes of course but first you would have to scan it in high quality as in the instructable, desaturate the image and then invert the colors in any design software.
1 year ago
Not quite as easy as you make it look, a mitre box/protractor is not sufficiently accurate to cut 45° angles for a picture frame also you need to clamp the frame before fixing with v-nails, not a hope of getting it square if you don't.
Reply 1 year ago
It's true it looks quite easy, in that you are right, but I correct you in the protractor section you need to mark the angle on the wood and be careful with the cut, because if you make the deviated cut you will damage the frame, with respect to the box of miter, mine is homemade, of which I will upload a tutorial soon to clear up doubts, although if you prefer you can buy one here.
1 year ago
Very nicely done. However, it would be nice to have a lower cost version that didn't use expensive software. Photoshop is so expensive that they only rent it out for about $20/month now.
Reply 1 year ago
of course bro, I understand your point, soon I will update images of the process in a free program.
1 year ago
Nice job, well done
Reply 1 year ago
Thanks a lot buddy. glad you like it. :)