How can I safely remove a photo that's stuck to the glass in a frame?

Question

Occasionally I've had the problem of photos sticking to the glass inside frames. First, I'm not sure what's even causing it. I don't use any moisture when dusting them.  I have a couple of pictures I want to remove from frames, but the bottom portion (about 1/3 of the photo)  of both are stuck hard to the glass. Is there any possible way to remove them without damaging the photo?

Hillela G. · Answer

Try dabbing a bit of WD40 on a tissue or cotton swab and wipe the edges to lubricate it.

Dorothy Collett · Answer

Before you do anything copy those photos still attached to the glass! Get it by an expert if you have trouble with glare from the glass.

Ellen DeVilbiss · Answer

Do you live in a humid area? Or have the photo located near a moist area in your home like a kitchen or bath? Moisture doesn't have to be in liquid form to cause sticking. Definitely copy it as is, because the chances of damaging it are high whatever you do. I'd try gentle heat to loosen it by drying out all moisture, visible or not. Say a hair dryer on low or a heating pad.

Sus14002759 · Answer

Alternatively, if heating it doesn't help, try putting it in the freezer for a little while.

Jay Oldridge · Answer

I simple put a thick bar towel down on my ironing board, then the picture, glass side up, then another thick bar towel. Set the iron at a lower heat and warm up the towel covered glass. Usually this loosens the stuck areas so that I can remove it in one try, but sometimes two or more tries are need to get it completely off and safe. If you are afraid of using an iron like this, blow dry the glass and watch as the picture slides off gradually. Patience is required for this method, though!

Pat · Answer

I have heard the freezer for envelopes that become 'sealed' so would think it would work for your picture.

Birdz of a Feather · Answer

Put it into a ziplock plastic bag, seal it and then pop it into the freezer for a few hours. It should release when you take it out.

DeLaine Workman Land · Answer

I tried an hour in the freezer and it didnt work. I’m afraid to do heat as its my wedding picture. Any other ideas?

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

Put it in the freezer for an hour. Take it out, and gently lift a corner. It should pull away.

Mogie · Answer

Using the low heat setting, take a hairdryer and blow warm air about 4-5 inches away from the back of the print. This heats up the area between the photo and glass and loosened the hold on the photo.

Redcatcec · Answer

Never had any luck with the freezer method.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Maybe the glass was very slightly damp when photo was but into frame!

Deb K · Answer

Hello, hope this helps you out.

This is the easiest method and will work on most photographs. First, fill a bowl with warm water. Next, soak the photograph and glass in the water, making sure they're completely submerged. As they soak, the adhesive should loosen and the picture should separate easily.

How can I safely remove a photo that's stuck to the glass in a frame?

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How can I safely remove a photo that's stuck to the glass in a frame?

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