Source: https://restorebunny.com/use-cases/remove-scratches-from-old-photos/

For scanned prints with fine scratches, fold lines, dust, or age-related surface damage.

# Remove Scratches from Old Photos

Clean up scratches, dust, creases, and scan marks while keeping the people in your photo recognisable and natural.

[Restore a photo](<https://restorebunny.com/signup/>)[See credit packs](<https://restorebunny.com/pricing/>)

Try your own image

## Upload a photo to remove scratches from old photos

Choose a photo here. It stays on this device until you create an account and start the restoration.

![Restored photo](<https://restorebunny.com/images/landing/difference-after-1040.avif>)

![Original photo before restoration](<https://restorebunny.com/images/landing/difference-before-1024.avif>)

Example restoration. Drag the divider to compare the original and restored image.

Expected outcomes

## What this workflow can help with

- Blend thin scratches and cracks into surrounding texture
- Reduce dust, grain, and distracting scan marks
- Improve faded contrast without an over-smoothed finish
- Review facial details with an interactive before-and-after comparison

Workflow

## From original print to reviewed result

1. 01

   Scan or photograph the complete print in even light.
2. 02

   Upload the image and select photo restoration.
3. 03

   Run the repair and inspect faces, hair, hands, and text closely.
4. 04

   Download the result or try another pass if the first is too strong.

Best results

## Prepare the source before restoring

- Wipe the scanner glass before scanning so new dust is not added to the image.
- A 300–600 DPI scan usually preserves more useful detail than a screenshot or social media copy.
- Avoid sharpening or beauty filters before upload; they can make scratches harder to distinguish from real edges.

**Important limitation**

Fine surface damage is usually easier to repair than a wide tear through a face or text. Always compare important identity details with the original before printing or archiving the result.

Questions

## Before you restore

Does scratch removal crop the photo?

No. RestoreBunny keeps the original composition and aims to repair damage within the existing frame.

Can it repair a crease across a face?

It can attempt to blend the crease using nearby detail. A thin crease often works better than a large missing section, and the result should be checked against the original.

## Related restoration workflows

[Water-damaged photos](<https://restorebunny.com/use-cases/restore-water-damaged-photos/>)[Scanned family albums](<https://restorebunny.com/use-cases/restore-scanned-family-albums/>)[Family photo colourization](<https://restorebunny.com/use-cases/colorize-family-photos/>)

One photo is enough to start

## See what can be recovered from your own image

Credits are used only when a restoration succeeds.

[Create a free account](<https://restorebunny.com/signup/>)