Why scratches show up (and why scans help)
Scratches often appear as bright lines, specks, and texture breaks caused by wear, dust, or scanning glare.
If possible, scan your photo rather than photographing it. Scans typically produce more even lighting and fewer reflections.
Step-by-step: remove scratches
- Clean the photo gently (dry microfiber cloth only).
- Scan at high resolution (or take a flat, evenly lit photo).
- Run restoration focused on repair first (then add light enhancement).
- If faces look over-smoothed, reduce enhancement and re-run.
- Download and keep the original scan archived.
Tips for better scratch removal
- Avoid heavy contrast boosts before restoring - it can exaggerate scratch edges.
- If the photo is glossy, angle the light to avoid specular highlights.
- For dense dust, scan twice and pick the cleaner scan before restoring.
- Use upscaling after restoration if the source is small or low-resolution.
Example: scratched to clean
FAQs
Will scratch repair remove important texture?
It can if enhancement is too aggressive. Aim for subtle repair first, then increase enhancement only if needed.
Can I fix scratches on a phone photo of a print?
Yes, but ensure even lighting and minimal glare. A good scan usually produces better scratch removal.
Related
Ready to restore your photos?
Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider.