Tintype Photo Restoration

Original   2" x 3"

It's faded with time and has many discolored spots

Fine cracks cover the surface and the images is worn away in several places

Rust at the edges made the image chip away on all sides

This is a scan of the tintype. The original is 2 x 3" and as you can see it's a little worse for wear.  Sad, but not hopeless.  This client contacted a company in Ft. Worth to ensure that the image is saved for future generations with digital restoration.  I was called in as this image needed a little of a hands on approach.  My process is a combination of filters and digital processing along with hand painting with a digital brush.

Preservation of the original is highly recommended as well.  I'll give references at the bottom of this post if you are the lucky owner of images like that and would like to preserve them.  

Do you want to see the result?  *grin*  It was so fun to do!

Sepia

Not only did I correct the things mentioned above, but also painted in the corners that had been cut off.  I am all about choices though, so I also sent it back as a black and white image.

Black and White

These images can be printed easily at 8 x 10" (or any size below that).   Saving this piece of history is an amazing feeling!

Now, back to the original.  You should know that original tintypes are very light sensitive and should be handled with gloves to prevent oil from your fingers from causing further damage.  Please consider consulting a professional conservator about preservation of these treasures. A conservator can consult on matters of preservation, display and storage.  In addition, many offer expertise in safely cleaning and restoring damaged photographs.  Not all conservators offer the same services, but most will make referrals to other specialists in the field.

If you live near a museum with a large collection of photographs, that's a great place to start your search for help.  Also consider the professional group, The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. (AIC).  They offer a referral service to help you find someone.

The AIC web site is part of the Conservation On-Line (COOL). 

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and FAIC Conservation Services Referral System, 1717 K Street N.W. Suite 301, Washington, D.C. 20006; Telephone: (202) 452-9545; Fax: (202) 452-9328